We don’t think wild animals belong in zoos—chimpanzees, for example, should live freely. No matter the space or care, they’re better off in the wild.
That said, this rescue video is incredible. A man ignored zoo rules to save a chimpanzee.
In 1990, at the Detroit Zoo, a chimp named Jo-Jo fell into a moat after being chased by a more aggressive chimp. Panicking, he struggled in the water as about 10 spectators watched.
Rick Swope, 33, a truck driver visiting with his family, jumped in despite the danger—chimpanzees are up to five times stronger than humans, and other chimps were nearby. Rick lost Jo-Jo underwater once but managed to rescue the 200-pound ape.
Jo-Jo survived, and Rick’s bravery saved him.
“He was looking at me. I think he knew what was going on,” Rick said.
Watch the rescue here:
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