Florida Floods Prompt Chimp Sanctuary to Airlift Food by Drone

WHO:

ABC News US - A Florida chimpanzee sanctuary and one of its 200 apes were involved in the food delivery.

Phys.org - A Florida chimpanzee sanctuary and one of its 200 apes were involved; the organization said the animals stayed safe and reported that the water was receding.

WHAT:

ABC News US - The sanctuary briefly delivered food to one of its apes by drone.

Phys.org - The sanctuary delivered food to one of its apes by drone; the animals stayed safe, and the water later receded significantly.

WHERE:

ABC News US - The incident occurred at a chimpanzee sanctuary in Florida.

Phys.org - The incident occurred at a chimpanzee sanctuary in Florida; the sanctuary property was swamped by water.

WHY:

ABC News US - Heavy rain swamped the property, prompting the temporary drone delivery.

Phys.org - Heavy rain swamped the property, requiring the sanctuary to deliver food by drone.

HOW:

ABC News US - The sanctuary used a drone to deliver food to the ape.

Phys.org - The sanctuary used a drone to deliver food; the organization said the water was receding significantly on Saturday.

(UPDATED November 8, 2026 19:59 UTC)

Heavy rain swamped a Florida chimpanzee sanctuary, prompting an unusual drone delivery of food. The drone briefly brought supplies to one of the sanctuary’s 200 apes. The animals remained safe as floodwaters receded significantly.