A Florida chimpanzee sanctuary recently faced a unique challenge when heavy rain caused widespread flooding on its property. Save the Chimps, home to over 200 chimps, had to get creative to ensure the animals stayed safe and well-fed. This innovative solution involved using a drone to deliver food to a chimp named Kaleb, who was cut off from the main area due to rising water levels.
The rainstorms that hit southeast and central Florida from Sunday to Tuesday led to significant flooding, but the care houses at Save the Chimps were built on high ground, ensuring the safety of the animals. According to CEO Ana Paula Tavares, some staff members even stayed overnight on the 150-acre property near Fort Pierce to provide continuous care for the chimps.
As canals overflowed and submerged the internal roads, which are typically used to deliver around 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms) of food daily via golf carts, the staff faced a logistical nightmare. Facilities director Mark Yohannan mentioned that while a high-clearance swamp buggy was helpful, it eventually broke down, leaving Kaleb stranded in an outdoor area.
Fortunately, the sanctuary had purchased a delivery drone for emergencies like this. Staff used the drone to transport food and blankets to Kaleb until he decided to move to a more accessible location. Save the Chimps even shared a video of Kaleb happily munching on a banana that was dropped from the drone.
To ensure that all chimps received their meals, the organization also improvised by using trucks, including a maintenance worker’s personal vehicle, and a tractor to deliver food and medicine to the rest of the apes. “Chimps are getting all their food, bananas, and oranges on time,” Yohannan said, adding, “They’re good. They haven’t missed a beat.”
Interestingly, the flooding also brought some local wildlife closer to the sanctuary. A small alligator was spotted near the kitchen, likely using the floodwaters to explore areas it typically wouldn’t reach.
By Saturday, the water levels had begun to recede significantly, with about 20% of the sanctuary’s roads becoming clear. However, the flooding made it challenging for employees to reach work and relieve their colleagues. Despite the exhaustion, Yohannan reported that everyone was in excellent spirits.
In light of the damages sustained during the flooding, Save the Chimps is appealing to the public for support in repairing affected buildings and equipment. One generous donor has even agreed to match contributions to help with these efforts.
Founded in 1997, Save the Chimps has provided care for nearly 350 chimps rescued from research laboratories, the pet trade, and the entertainment industry. Their commitment to the welfare of these animals is evident in how they handled this recent crisis, showcasing their expertise and dedication to the chimps in their care.
