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Chimps Safe as Florida Sanctuary Floods
8 Nov
Summary
- A 150-acre chimpanzee sanctuary in Florida is flooded.
- Drones delivered food and blankets to the stranded chimpanzees.
- Chimps are safe in elevated houses, but access is difficult.
Historic storms have left a 150-acre chimpanzee sanctuary in Fort Pierce, Florida, flooded. Days after record rainfall, staff at Save the Chimps are using drones to deliver food and blankets to the chimpanzees housed in elevated structures. The animals are reported to be safe, but the sanctuary itself is only reachable by large, high-water vehicles due to the inundation.
The non-profit organization, which cares for over 200 rescued chimpanzees, is facing significant challenges. Stagnant floodwaters from an overflowing canal are preventing the water from receding, making staff access and daily responsibilities difficult. Traditional methods of food delivery via golf carts are currently impossible as the paths between the chimpanzees' island habitats are submerged. Staff are now relying on a donated high-water rescue vehicle and pickup trucks to transport supplies.
