In 1990, a remarkable act of bravery unfolded at the Detroit Zoo when truck driver Rick Swope risked his life to save a drowning chimpanzee named Jo-Jo. This incident not only highlighted the dangers animals can face in captivity but also showcased the profound empathy humans can have for other species.iHeartDogs.com+11We Love All Animals+11The Dodo+11
Rick Swope, a 33-year-old from Cement City, Michigan, was visiting the zoo with his wife and three children. While observing the chimpanzee enclosure, a fight broke out between two male chimps. In an attempt to escape the altercation, Jo-Jo fell into the deep moat surrounding the enclosure—a barrier designed to keep the animals contained. Chimpanzees, unable to swim, are at significant risk in such situations.Newsner English+2Deseret News+2The Georgia Record+2MajesticAnimals.net+1The Dodo+1The Dodo
As Jo-Jo struggled to stay afloat, zoo staff and visitors looked on, hesitant to intervene due to the potential dangers. Chimpanzees are known to be up to five times stronger than humans, and entering their territory poses significant risks. Despite warnings from zookeepers, Swope felt compelled to act. He later recounted, “Everyone in the whole place was just standing around watching this monkey drown. When he went down the second time, I knew I had to do something” .Newsner English+4ModishTips+4waggingtonpost.com+4The Georgia Record+2The Dodo+2Deseret News+2
Swope scaled the enclosure’s barrier and plunged into the murky, five-foot-deep water. The water’s opacity made it difficult to locate Jo-Jo, but Swope persisted, diving repeatedly until he found the chimp. He managed to pull Jo-Jo to the shore, noting that the chimp was “pretty lifeless” but still alive . Swope’s quick thinking and disregard for his own safety were instrumental in saving Jo-Jo’s life.waggingtonpost.com+9We Love All Animals+9Deseret News+9Newsner English+10Relay Hero+10The Dodo+10Deseret News+8MajesticAnimals.net+8We Love All Animals+8
The incident garnered national attention and was later highlighted by renowned primatologist Jane Goodall. She shared that Swope described looking into Jo-Jo’s eyes and feeling as though the chimp was silently pleading for help. Goodall emphasized the significance of such empathy, stating, “If you see that look with your eyes, and you feel it in your heart, you have to jump in and try to help” .The Dodo+1Relay Hero+1The Georgia Record+1The Dodo+1
While the Detroit Zoo did not publicly comment extensively on the incident, the event sparked discussions about zoo safety protocols and the responsibilities of both staff and visitors in emergency situations. Swope’s actions remain a testament to human compassion and the lengths to which individuals will go to aid those in distress, regardless of species.
This story continues to resonate, serving as a powerful reminder of the impact one person’s courage can have in the face of adversity.
