A Florida chimpanzee sanctuary delivered food by drone to an ape stranded by floodwaters after heavy rain swamped its 150-acre property near Fort Pierce.
Save the Chimps care houses remained safe on high ground for its 200 apes following Sunday-Tuesday rainstorms across southeast and central Florida, CEO Ana Paula Tavares said. However, overflowing canals submerged internal roads, disrupting golf cart deliveries of 3,000 pounds (1,361 kg) of daily food, while a high-clearance swamp buggy broke down, facilities director Mark Yohannan said.
Staff used an emergency drone to drop bananas and blankets to Kaleb, a 38-year-old chimp cut off by water, until he crossed a rope bridge to safety. Trucks and a tractor delivered food and medicine to the rest, while a small alligator appeared near the kitchen Friday.
Water levels dropped significantly by Saturday, clearing 20% of roads. Although staff relief remains difficult, workers remain in high spirits. Founded in 1997, the sanctuary-which has cared for nearly 350 chimps from research labs, pet trade, and entertainment-appealed for repair funds, with a donor matching contributions.