While opinions may vary, many believe wild animals, like chimpanzees, should never be confined to zoos. No matter how spacious or well-maintained their enclosures may be, nothing compares to the freedom and richness of their natural habitats.
Still, sometimes extraordinary things happen within those artificial boundaries—stories that remind us of both the vulnerability of these animals and the incredible compassion humans are capable of.
One such story dates back to 1990 at the Detroit Zoo. A chimpanzee named Jo-Jo found himself in grave danger after an encounter with an aggressive fellow chimp. In a desperate attempt to escape, Jo-Jo leapt into a water-filled moat inside the enclosure—despite chimpanzees not being strong swimmers.
As Jo-Jo struggled to stay above water, around ten shocked zoo visitors looked on helplessly. Among them was Rick Swope, a 33-year-old truck driver visiting with his wife and three children. What Rick saw next—a frightened animal fighting for its life—moved him to immediate action.
Without hesitation, and despite warning signs posted around the enclosure, Rick jumped into the moat to save Jo-Jo. It was a bold move. Chimpanzees can be up to five times stronger than humans, and entering a space shared with potentially aggressive chimps was extremely risky.
Still, Rick pressed on. The rescue wasn’t easy. At one point, Jo-Jo slipped from his grasp and sank beneath the surface. But Rick didn’t give up. With one final effort, he managed to lift the 200-pound (90 kg), 18-year-old chimp out of the water and onto solid ground.
Jo-Jo survived the ordeal, exhausted but alive—thanks to Rick’s courage and instinctive compassion.
“He was looking at me. I think he knew what was going on,” Rick told the Chicago Tribune in an interview following the rescue.
This powerful moment not only highlights the ongoing conversation about animal welfare in captivity, but also serves as a reminder of the remarkable lengths some will go to in order to protect another life.
You can watch the heart-stopping rescue here:
If you’re moved by Rick’s act of bravery, help spread his story—because heroes come in all forms, and sometimes, they wear muddy clothes and dive in without a second thought.
