Drone Delivers Food to Chimpanzee Isolated by Florida Floods

Floodwaters cut off parts of Save the Chimps, a 150-acre sanctuary near Fort Pierce, Florida, after heavy rain soaked the region. Staff used a drone to deliver food and blankets to Kaleb, one of the sanctuary’s 200 chimpanzees, while water blocked routes to the area where he was staying.

Video showed Kaleb eating a banana from a paper bag dropped by the drone. He later made his way across a rope over standing water. The sanctuary’s care houses are on higher ground, and its CEO, Ana Paula Tavares, said the animals were safe. Some veterinarians and other employees stayed overnight to care for them.

Overflowing canals submerged roads normally used to deliver about 3,000 pounds of chimp food each day by golf cart. A high-clearance swamp buggy helped staff reach parts of the property, but it broke down. Workers used trucks and a tractor to bring food, medicine and other supplies to the remaining apes.

By Saturday, water levels had fallen noticeably and about 20% of the property’s roads were clear, facilities director Mark Yohannan said. Flooding continued to make it difficult for employees to reach work and relieve colleagues. The organization is seeking donations to repair damaged buildings and equipment, with one donor offering to match contributions.