In 1990, at the Detroit Zoo, a heart-stopping act of bravery unfolded before stunned spectators. Rick Swope, a 33-year-old truck driver, risked his life to save Jo-Jo, an 18-year-old chimpanzee drowning in the zoo’s moat.
The incident began when Jo-Jo, chased by a dominant chimp, leapt into the water surrounding the enclosure. Unable to swim, he panicked, struggling to keep his head above water. About ten visitors, including Swope and his family, watched in horror. With zoo staff slow to respond, Swope knew waiting was not an option.
Ignoring warning signs and potential danger from the other chimps, he leapt into the moat. Twice Jo-Jo slipped from his grasp, but on the second attempt, Swope pulled the 200-pound chimp onto dry land. Jo-Jo was weak but alive, his survival owed to Swope’s courage.
Witnesses later recalled the bond in that moment—Jo-Jo seemed to recognize his rescuer. While the event sparked debate over animal welfare and zoo safety, it also left behind a powerful legacy of compassion, reminding us that true heroism sometimes means acting without hesitation.
