In 1990, a dramatic rescue unfolded at the Detroit Zoo when a chimpanzee named Jo-Jo was pushed into a dangerous situation. Chased by a dominant fellow chimp, Jo-Jo jumped over a barrier into a deep moat meant to separate the animals. Since chimps don’t naturally swim, he struggled desperately in the water, drawing the fearful attention of people around, including Rick Swope, a truck driver visiting with his family.
Despite warnings and the clear danger, Rick sprang into action, entering the water to save Jo-Jo. The decision was risky—adult chimpanzees are many times stronger than humans, and other chimps were nearby. Undeterred, Rick waded into the murky moat and tried to steady the panicking chimp. When Jo-Jo slipped beneath the surface, Rick dived after him and through incredible effort brought him back to safety.
Rick’s courage amazed onlookers and showed a touching connection between human and animal, as he recalled Jo-Jo looking at him as if they understood each other. This act of bravery saved Jo-Jo’s life and remains a legendary story of compassion overcoming fear and danger. While debates about captivity persist, Rick’s selfless rescue is a shining example of kindness in action when it mattered most.
