Florida Floods and Innovative Aid for a Chimpanzee
During the severe flooding that affected southeastern and central Florida from November 1 to 3, 2026, a chimpanzee sanctuary near Fort Pierce faced unique challenges in caring for its residents. One of its chimpanzees, 38-year-old Caleb, was stranded on flooded terrain, making traditional food deliveries impossible. To overcome this, the sanctuary employed a drone to deliver not only Caleb's meals but also blankets, ensuring his comfort despite being isolated by rising waters. This sanctuary spans 150 acres (61 hectares) and is home to around 200 chimpanzees, all requiring a combined daily food supply of 1,361 kilograms.
Sanctuary’s Response and Challenges Faced
While Caleb’s needs were met via drone, the rest of the chimpanzees received their food through trucks, a staff member’s personal vehicle, and tractors. However, the situation was complicated when a specialized high-clearance buggy broke down during the flooding, adding to logistical difficulties. Nevertheless, the sanctuary’s primatologists remained confident that:
“The chimpanzees receive all their food, including bananas and oranges, on time.” – Mark Yohannan
He further emphasized, “They are doing well and have not missed any meals,” adding that “everyone is in good spirits despite the fatigue.”
By November 6, floodwaters began to recede, and by the following day, approximately 20% of the sanctuary’s roads were cleared. Interestingly, a small alligator was spotted near the sanctuary’s kitchen during this time. These local events occurred against a backdrop of a serious crisis involving wild chimpanzees in Uganda, where the Ngogo community—the largest known group—split into two hostile factions, leading to a series of violent killings. Findings from 30 years of research on this community were published in the journal Science, and the group gained wider recognition through the Netflix series Chimp Empire.
This episode highlights the growing importance of technology, such as drones, in safeguarding animal welfare during natural disasters. Despite the many obstacles posed by the flood, the sanctuary demonstrated remarkable adaptability and prompt response—qualities that are increasingly vital in the face of climate change. Meanwhile, the turmoil in Uganda reflects broader challenges confronting wildlife conservation, including intra-species conflicts that could have profound effects on ecosystem stability worldwide.