Chimp sanctuary delivers an ape's food by drone amid Florida floods
A Florida chimpanzee sanctuary had to deliver food to one of its 200 apes by drone this week because the property was swamped by heavy rain. But the animals stayed safe, and the water finally was receding significantly on Saturday, the organization said.
Severe flooding in southeast and central Florida disrupted food deliveries at a chimpanzee sanctuary near Fort Pierce, Florida. Save the Chimps, which cares for 200 apes, had to use a drone to deliver food and blankets to one isolated chimpanzee named Kaleb, who remained on an outdoor area cut off by water. The sanctuary's CEO, Ana Paula Tavares, confirmed that all 200 chimpanzees remained safe and well-fed as the water receded.
Staff members utilized trucks, including a personal vehicle of a maintenance worker, and a tractor to deliver meals, medicine, and other supplies to the other apes. Local alligators were also observed near the sanctuary, apparently utilizing the floodwaters to access new territory. The water level dropped significantly overnight, and by Saturday, about 20% of the property's roads were passable.
Despite the challenges, everyone at the sanctuary remained in high spirits, albeit tired from the ordeal. The organization is appealing for donations to repair damaged buildings and equipment. Save the Chimps was established in 1997 and has cared for nearly 350 chimpanzees from various backgrounds since its inception.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Chimp sanctuary delivers an ape’s food by drone amid Florida floods winnipegfreepress.com
