While many people question whether wild animals should live in captivity, one incident at the Detroit Zoo in 1990 proved just how powerful human compassion can be — even when the system fails.
The story centers around Jo-Jo, an 18-year-old chimpanzee who found himself in a life-threatening situation after falling into a man-made moat inside the zoo’s chimp enclosure.
Chased by a more dominant chimp, Jo-Jo attempted to escape — but instead plunged into the deep water, unable to swim and quickly beginning to drown.
Despite a growing crowd of shocked onlookers, zoo staff refused to intervene, citing safety concerns.
Chimpanzees are incredibly strong — up to five times stronger than humans — and the area was designated as off-limits to the public for good reason.
But one man refused to stand by.
Rick Swope, a 33-year-old truck driver visiting the zoo with his wife and three children, saw the panic in Jo-Jo’s eyes and knew he had to act. Ignoring warning signs, barriers, and the inherent danger, Rick jumped into the water.
“It was like he was looking right at me,” Rick later told The Chicago Tribune. “I think he knew what was going on.”
