# Florida sanctuary flooding response

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/florida-sanctuary-flooding-response
> Updated: 2026-11-09T22:00:47.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

Heavy rainfall and flooding near Fort Pierce, Florida, impacted the Save the Chimps sanctuary, submerging internal roads and overflowing canals. The flooding incapacitated several electric golf carts used for daily food deliveries, making navigation across the 150-acre property difficult.

To maintain the care of approximately 200 chimpanzees, staff utilized trucks, tractors, and drones to deliver roughly 3,000 pounds of food daily. A drone was specifically deployed to provide food and blankets to a 38-year-old chimpanzee named Kaleb (also referred to as Caleb), who became stranded in an outdoor area when land access became impossible due to mud and water.

CEO Ana Paula Tavares confirmed that all animals remained safe in care houses located on high ground. As of late November, floodwaters were reported to be receding, with approximately 20% of the sanctuary's roads cleared.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-09: Florida sanctuary uses drone to supply isolated chimpanzee

Sanctuary staff in Florida used a drone to deliver food and blankets to Caleb, a chimpanzee isolated by flooding.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-sanctuary-uses-drone-to-supply-isolated-chimpanzee

### 2026-11-07: Save the Chimps sanctuary uses drones to feed stranded apes amid Florida floods

A Florida chimpanzee sanctuary used a drone to deliver food and blankets to a stranded chimp after heavy rains flooded the facility's roads and incapacitated transport vehicles.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/save-the-chimps-uses-drone-to-deliver-food-during-florida-floods

---
Cite as: Florida sanctuary flooding response. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/florida-sanctuary-flooding-response