At a chimpanzee sanctuary in Fort Pierce, Florida, staff have turned to an unlikely ally in the wake of severe flooding: drones. With large parts of the property submerged, the usual routes for feeding and caring for the animals have become impassable, forcing the team to adapt quickly.
The sanctuary, which houses dozens of chimpanzees, has seen its network of roads and walkways disappear beneath the water. In response, staff have deployed unmanned aerial vehicles to carry food to the animals, ensuring that daily routines continue despite the challenging conditions.
One video released by the sanctuary shows a drone carrying a bunch of bananas to a chimpanzee waiting in a dry spot. The delivery, though modest in scale, highlights the growing role of drones in emergency response and animal welfare—a trend that extends far beyond Florida.
Drones in disaster response
Drones have become increasingly common in disaster scenarios across Europe, from severe storms in Greece to flood response in Germany and the Netherlands. They offer a rapid, low-cost way to assess damage, deliver supplies, and maintain communication when ground infrastructure fails.
The Florida sanctuary's use of drones for feeding is a practical example of this technology's versatility. It also echoes developments in European defence and logistics, where companies like Italy's Leonardo have expanded their drone portfolios, as noted in their recent record order book.
Sanctuary officials said the animals remained safe and were being closely monitored. "Our priority is the well-being of the chimpanzees," a spokesperson said. "The drones have been a lifeline, allowing us to reach areas that are otherwise cut off."
The flooding is the latest in a series of extreme weather events that have disrupted communities across the United States, much like the fatal private jet crash in Florida earlier this year, which underscored the state's vulnerability to sudden crises.
While the immediate focus is on the chimpanzees' safety, the situation raises broader questions about preparedness for climate-related disruptions. In Europe, where flooding has repeatedly tested infrastructure, the use of drones in emergency response is already being integrated into national plans.
For now, the sanctuary's staff are making do with what they have, using technology to bridge the gap left by rising waters. As the wet conditions persist, they remain committed to ensuring that every chimpanzee receives its meal—one drone flight at a time.
