Floodwaters and equipment failures continue to hamper care at Save the Chimps in St. Lucie County five days after heavy rain flooded the region. Water still covers much of the 150-acre sanctuary, where employees can enter only by tractor, trailer or large off-road vehicle, according to the organization.
The sanctuary’s more than 200 rescued chimpanzees are safe, CEO Ana Paula Tavares said. They live on islands with care houses at higher elevations. Standing water across the property and surrounding area has made it difficult for staff to reach work and carry out their responsibilities. Save the Chimps said an overflowing local canal, Header Canal, has kept the floodwaters from receding.
A donated swamp buggy used by caregivers and veterinarians to travel around the sanctuary broke down Wednesday, the organization said. Golf carts used to transport food and supplies are also out of service after sitting in 1 to 2 feet of water. A staff member’s truck became stuck in a sinkhole near the sanctuary Thursday morning. The sanctuary said staff were delivering food to one chimp by drone.
Save the Chimps Facilities Director Mark Yohannan is scheduled to speak about the emergency at a North St. Lucie River Water District meeting at 10 a.m. at 14666 Orange Ave. The South Florida Water Management District issued an emergency order this week in response to flooding caused by heavy rain across several South Florida counties. Save the Chimps cares for chimpanzees rescued from research laboratories, the entertainment industry and the exotic pet trade.