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Save the Chimps sanctuary uses drones to feed stranded apes amid Florida floods
The Save the Chimps sanctuary near Fort Pierce, Florida, utilized a delivery drone to provide food and blankets to a stranded 38-year-old chimpanzee named Kaleb following heavy rainfall. The storm, which lasted from Sunday through Tuesday, submerged internal roads and caused canals to overflow, making the 150-acre property difficult to navigate.
Facilities director Mark Yohannan reported that the flooding incapacitated nearly 15 electric golf carts used for daily food deliveries and caused a donated swamp buggy to break down. To ensure the 200 chimpanzees remained fed, staff used trucks, tractors, and the drone to deliver approximately 3,000 pounds of food daily.
CEO Ana Paula Tavares confirmed that all animals remained safe in care houses located on high ground. While Kaleb was initially cut off in an outdoor area, he eventually moved to a more accessible location after receiving supplies via the drone. By Saturday, floodwaters were reported to be receding, with approximately 20% of the sanctuary's roads cleared.
Entities
Ana Paula Tavares · Fort Pierce · Kaleb · Mark Yohannan · Save the Chimps
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The sanctuary typically delivers 3,000 pounds of chimp food per day via golf carts. www.winnipegfreepress.com · wtop.com · mymotherlode.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The sanctuary houses approximately 200 apes. www.winnipegfreepress.com · wtop.com · mymotherlode.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] About 20% of the property’s roads were clear by Saturday. wtop.com · mymotherlode.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Save the Chimps sanctuary used a drone to deliver food and blankets to a chimpanzee named Kaleb. www.winnipegfreepress.com · wtop.com · mymotherlode.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Heavy rainstorms flooded the 150-acre sanctuary property near Fort Pierce, Florida. www.winnipegfreepress.com · wtop.com · mymotherlode.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Care houses at the sanctuary were secure on high ground during the rainstorms. www.winnipegfreepress.com · wtop.com · mymotherlode.com