Florida sanctuary uses drone to feed stranded chimp amid severe flooding

Heavy flooding at the Save the Chimps sanctuary in Florida has forced staff to adopt unconventional methods to maintain animal welfare, with caregivers deploying a drone to deliver essential supplies to stranded residents. Kaleb, a chimpanzee at the facility, found himself isolated as floodwaters inundated the sanctuary and disrupted conventional delivery routes to his enclosure. In response, sanctuary workers utilised both trucks and aerial technology to navigate the challenging conditions and ensure the animal remained fed and cared for during the crisis. The use of the drone proved instrumental in bridging gaps created by the flooded terrain, allowing staff to transport food and blankets safely to Kaleb without exposing themselves or other animals to unnecessary risk. The sanctuary's adaptive approach underscores the ongoing challenges wildlife facilities face during extreme weather events and demonstrates the lengths caregivers will go to protect their charges. Despite the significant logistical hurdles presented by the flooding, the combined efforts of the sanctuary team succeeded in keeping all animals healthy and properly supplied throughout the emergency period.