First and foremost, we don’t believe that zoos should house wild animals. For instance, chimpanzees ought to be permitted to live freely.
They still fare better in the wild, regardless of how much room they have to roam and how well they are cared for.
Nevertheless, we felt compelled to share this rescue footage with you. It depicts a guy who throws himself into an enclosure to save a chimpanzee, despite the zoo’s warning warnings and regulations.
That’s what we refer to as heroism!
A chimpanzee named Jo-Jo fell into a man-made moat in the Detroit Zoo’s chimpanzee exhibit back in 1990. He had gotten past the fence that was meant to keep him out of the water after being pursued by a more hostile chimpanzee.
Jo-Jo fought to keep his head above water in a panic. About ten horrified onlookers watched him die in the sea at the same moment.
Among them was Rick Swope, a truck driver who was 33 years old and present with his wife and three kids. He realized he had to do something when he saw the fear on Jo-Jo’s face, so he dove into the water to save the huge ape.
Now keep in mind that chimps can outstretch humans by up to five times. There were several other chimps in the enclosure who might have acted aggressively at any moment, and the monkey was in an area that was off-limits to tourists.
Rick, however, made no hesitation. As he hauled Jo-Jo out of the sea and onto land, his family looked on in wonder. Furthermore, it wasn’t the simplest thing.
Rick lost Jo-Jo at one point, and he vanished beneath the waves. Rick eventually managed to save the 18-year-old, 200-pound (90 kg) chimpanzee after another effort.
Jo-Jo was in bad shape but still alive as he emerged from the water. He was saved by Rick.
He had his eyes on me. Rick said to the Chicago Tribune, “I believe he was aware of what was happening.”
Go here to see the heroic rescue:
To honor the truck driver’s incredible bravery, kindly share this video!