A drone delivered food and blankets to a chimpanzee isolated by flooding at Save the Chimps in Fort Pierce, Florida. The delivery was made on November 4 to Kaleb, a 38-year-old chimpanzee whose outdoor area had been cut off by rising water.
Flooding submerged roads and walkways across parts of the sanctuary, making it difficult for staff to reach some areas and carry out daily tasks. Sanctuary staff used the drone to send Kaleb a bag of supplies; footage showed him retrieving it, The Associated Press reported.
The drone delivery was for Kaleb, rather than a routine method of feeding the sanctuary’s chimpanzees. Other animals remained safe and were monitored by staff. Food and medication for the rest of the animals were transported by other means, including trucks and a tractor, according to The Washington Post.
With water blocking access to some areas, the drone provided a way to get supplies to an animal staff could not reach on foot. Sanctuary officials said the chimpanzees remained safe and continued to receive care as wet conditions persisted.
Clayton Ward