Save the Chimps, a sanctuary near Fort Pierce, Florida, used a delivery drone to provide food and supplies to a chimpanzee isolated by floodwaters. Heavy rainfall between Sunday, Nov. 1, and Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, submerged internal roads and disabled transportation equipment at the 150-acre facility.
The sanctuary houses approximately 200 apes, most of whom remained secure in care houses located on elevated ground. However, a 38-year-old chimpanzee named Kaleb became stranded in an outdoor area as canals overflowed, cutting off land access. Sanctuary officials reported that the water began to recede significantly by Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026.
Facilities director Mark Yohannan stated that the sanctuary normally delivers 3,000 pounds of food daily using golf carts. After the roads were submerged and a high-clearance swamp buggy broke down, staff deployed a drone previously purchased for emergencies to deliver bananas, oranges, and blankets to Kaleb. The organization also used tractors and personal vehicles to maintain supplies for the rest of the animals.
Save the Chimps reported that all animals remained safe throughout the weather event, though a small alligator was discovered near the kitchen on Friday, Nov. 6, after being displaced by floodwaters. While 20% of the property's roads were clear by Saturday, staff reported difficulty reaching the site due to widespread flooding in the surrounding region.
The event affected the operations of Save the Chimps and its staff, who manage the daily nutritional and medical needs of 200 apes. The sanctuary provides 3,000 pounds of food every day to animals formerly used in research, entertainment, and the pet trade. When primary transportation like golf carts and a swamp buggy failed, the facility relied on drone technology to ensure an animal in an isolated zone did not miss scheduled feedings.
For Kaleb, the flooding meant a loss of land access to caregivers, necessitating the aerial delivery of food and blankets. Workers in the Fort Pierce area also faced logistical challenges, as regional flooding prevented relief staff from reaching the sanctuary to rotate with employees who had stayed overnight during the storms.
The organization has launched a public appeal for funding to repair damaged buildings and equipment resulting from the flood. A donor has pledged to match contributions for these repairs, though a final cost estimate for the damages has not been reported. Save the Chimps continues to monitor water levels as they recede.