Florida chimp sanctuary uses drone to feed ape amid flooding

A chimpanzee sanctuary in Florida had to deliver food to one of its 200 apes by drone due to flooding on its property, WTOP reported. The sanctuary, Save the Chimps, experienced heavy rain from Sunday through Tuesday that caused canals to overflow and submerged internal roads normally used for food delivery.

The sanctuary's care houses remained secure on high ground, and some staff stayed overnight to ensure the animals' welfare, according to WTOP. While a high-clearance swamp buggy was used to deliver food, it eventually broke down, prompting the use of a delivery drone to reach an outdoor chimp named Kaleb who was cut off by water.

Staff used the drone to bring Kaleb food and blankets until he moved to a more accessible area on his own. Save the Chimps captured video of Kaleb eating a banana delivered by the drone and crossing a rope bridge over standing water, WTOP said. Other food and supplies were delivered by trucks and a tractor.

The sanctuary reported that all chimps continued to receive their food on time despite the flooding, and the water level began to drop noticeably by Friday. Employees faced challenges reaching the site due to widespread flooding, but spirits remained high. The organization is seeking public help to repair damaged buildings and equipment, with one donor matching contributions, WTOP added.