Kaleb, a 38-year-old chimpanzee, was fed and given blankets via a drone after becoming isolated by the floods affecting a rescue animal sanctuary in Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, Florida.
The unique operation took place at Save the Chimps, where overflowing canals submerged the internal paths.
According to the Associated Press, staff resorted to a delivery drone the organization had acquired specifically for emergencies.
Kaleb was in an outdoor area cut off from the rest of the facilities by accumulated water. Though caretakers couldn't reach him through the usual routes, they successfully delivered the necessary supplies from above.
The sanctuary shared images showing the chimp munching on a banana from a paper bag delivered by the drone—highlighting the challenges faced by workers to care for the animals during the flooding.
The device also delivered blankets while he was stranded. Eventually, Kaleb managed to move to a more accessible spot by using a rope stretched across a flooded area.
Mark Yohannan, the sanctuary's facilities director, explained that the drone had been purchased some time ago as a backup tool, but it hadn't been needed until now for such a situation.
The emergency impacted a 150-acre property, home to over 200 chimpanzees rescued from research labs, the entertainment industry, and the exotic pet trade.
CBS12 reported that the floods left much of the sanctuary nearly inaccessible for its staff, who had to use tractors, trailers, and off-road vehicles to navigate the terrain.
Canals crisscrossing the property overflowed, covering the paths usually traversed by golf carts that distribute food and medication.
The center needs to transport approximately 3,000 pounds of food daily, equivalent to about 1,361 kilograms, so the disruption of regular routes posed a significant logistical challenge.
A special swamp vehicle initially facilitated some deliveries but eventually broke down. Several golf carts were rendered useless, and a worker's truck became stuck in a ground sinkhole.
While Kaleb received food via the drone, other chimpanzees continued to be cared for using tractors and trucks that transported food, medicine, and other supplies to areas still accessible.
The sanctuary's executive director, Ana Paula Tavares, confirmed the animals' shelters remained secure as they are located on elevated land.
Some veterinarians and caregivers had to spend the night at the sanctuary to ensure care during the emergency.
Yohannan confirmed the chimpanzees continued receiving their usual diet, including fruits such as bananas and oranges, despite the challenges in delivering them.
The floods also brought an unexpected visitor—a small alligator near the sanctuary's kitchen, an area where these reptiles are not commonly seen.
By Saturday, water levels had significantly receded, and about 20% of the internal paths were cleared, although access difficulties remained in other areas.
The sanctuary has also requested assistance to recover from the damages. In a statement on their official page, the organization asked for donations to repair affected facilities and sustain the chimps' care.
Susanne Damgaard, a partner from Denmark, pledged to match financial contributions for recovery, aiming to double the donations' value.
The floods affecting the sanctuary were part of an extraordinary rainfall event in Florida in early November.
In some parts of the state, rainfall equivalent to nearly six months' worth fell in just 48 hours, with accumulations exceeding 600 millimeters.
In St. Lucie County, where the sanctuary is located, floods also impacted residential neighborhoods in Port Saint Lucie, with water covering streets and dangerously approaching homes.
The severity of the situation led Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency in seven counties, including St. Lucie, on November 2nd through Executive Order 26-227, to facilitate resource mobilization and response and recovery efforts.
FAQs on the Florida Floods Impacting Animal Sanctuaries
How did the sanctuary manage to feed the chimpanzees during the floods?
The sanctuary used a drone to deliver food and supplies to isolated areas and relied on tractors and trucks to reach other parts.
What steps are being taken to repair the sanctuary after the floods?
The sanctuary has requested donations for repairs and has received a pledge to match contributions to help recover from the damages.
What was the extent of the flooding in Florida during this period?
Some areas experienced rainfall equating to nearly six months of usual precipitation in just 48 hours, with accumulations over 600 millimeters.