When torrential rain turned the 150‑acre Save the Chimps sanctuary near Fort Pierce, Florida, into a swamp, the organization turned to a drone it had purchased for emergencies. The drone delivered food and blankets to Kaleb, a 38‑year‑old chimp who was trapped on higher ground cut off by floodwaters.
Flooding overwhelms sanctuary roads
From Sunday through Tuesday, rainstorms drenched southeast and central Florida, flooding internal roads that normally carry the sanctuary’s 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms) of chimp food each day. “Canals overflowed and submerged the internal roads,” said facilities director Mark Yohannan. A high‑clearance swamp buggy was deployed but soon broke down, leaving staff with limited options.
To keep the animals safe, CEO Ana Paula Tavares said the sanctuary’s care houses were moved to higher ground. Veterinarians and several employees stayed overnight on the property to monitor the apes and ensure their needs were met.
Drone delivery saves the day
Kaleb had remained in an outdoor enclosure that became isolated by water. “We used a delivery drone we bought some time ago for exactly this kind of emergency,” Yohannan explained. Staff guided the drone to drop a paper bag containing a banana and a blanket. Video captured Kaleb munching the banana and later crossing a rope bridge over standing water.
“Chimps are getting all their food, bananas and oranges on time,” Yohannan added. “They’re good. They haven’t missed a beat.” The sanctuary also used trucks, a maintenance worker’s personal vehicle, and a tractor to bring meals, medicine and other supplies to the remaining apes.
Alligators and community response
Even the local alligators took advantage of the flood. A small alligator was spotted near the sanctuary’s kitchen on Friday, using the high water to reach areas it normally avoids.
The water level receded noticeably overnight Friday, and by Saturday about 20 % of the sanctuary’s roads were clear. “Everyone’s in excellent spirits, tired as they are,” Yohannan said, noting that staff morale remains high despite the challenges.
Call for donations
Save the Chimps is appealing to the public for help repairing damaged buildings and equipment. One donor has agreed to match contributions, amplifying the impact of community support.
Founded in 1997, the nonprofit has cared for nearly 350 chimps rescued from research labs, the pet trade and the entertainment industry. The recent flood underscores the importance of emergency preparedness for wildlife sanctuaries and the dedication of volunteers who keep these animals safe.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
