First and foremost, it’s important to say this clearly: wild animals do not belong in zoos. Animals like chimpanzees are highly intelligent, emotionally complex creatures that deserve to live freely in their natural environments. No matter how spacious an enclosure may be, no matter how much care is given, nothing can replicate the wild—the place where they truly belong. That being said, there are moments where the presence of animals in captivity results in unexpected, heart-stopping situations that shine a light on the courage and compassion that still exist in humanity. One such moment was captured in a remarkable video we want to share with you—a video that tells a story of bravery, empathy, and a man who didn’t think twice before risking his own safety to save a life. This isn’t about glorifying zoos. It’s about recognizing an act of pure heroism in a place where, ideally, that situation would have never occurred in the first place.

Let’s take you back to the year 1990, to the Detroit Zoo in Michigan. Among the chimpanzees in the zoo’s enclosure was Jo-Jo, an 18-year-old chimpanzee. On that particular day, Jo-Jo found himself in a terrifying situation. While interacting with the other chimps, Jo-Jo was chased by a more dominant and aggressive male. In a desperate attempt to escape the confrontation, Jo-Jo leapt over the boundary that was designed to keep him away from the water-filled moat that surrounded the enclosure. Unfortunately, instead of finding safety, Jo-Jo plunged into the man-made moat—and panic set in immediately.

Chimpanzees aren’t natural swimmers, and Jo-Jo was no exception. He began to flail in the water, struggling to keep his head above the surface. He was clearly in distress, and it was quickly becoming obvious to those watching that Jo-Jo might not survive the ordeal. Around 10 visitors stood nearby, horrified, unable to do anything but watch. The zoo staff didn’t intervene either, likely because the area was off-limits and filled with potentially aggressive chimps. Among the crowd of onlookers that day was Rick Swope, a 33-year-old truck driver who had come to the zoo with his wife and three children for what was supposed to be a fun, peaceful outing.

But when Rick saw the terror in Jo-Jo’s eyes and realized no one else was going to help, he made a split-second decision that would define him as a true hero. Without regard for his own safety—and against every rule posted at the exhibit—Rick climbed over the barrier and jumped into the water to rescue the drowning chimpanzee. It’s worth noting that chimpanzees are incredibly strong. Scientists estimate that they are four to five times stronger than the average adult human. And Rick wasn’t just entering an enclosure with one chimpanzee—there were several others nearby who could have reacted unpredictably, or even violently, to his presence.

But Rick didn’t hesitate. As his family watched in stunned silence, he reached Jo-Jo in the water and tried to guide the 200-pound chimpanzee toward the edge. At one point, Rick lost his grip and Jo-Jo disappeared beneath the surface again. The crowd gasped. Rick dove back down and, in a second attempt, managed to grab the animal and bring him to dry land. The effort was intense, the risk was real, and the outcome was uncertain—until Jo-Jo finally lay on the ground, wet, weak, but alive.

Once on land, Jo-Jo appeared to be in rough shape. He was disoriented and exhausted from the struggle. But he had survived. And that was thanks entirely to Rick Swope, an everyday man who had found himself in an extraordinary situation and responded with selflessness and courage. Later, in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Rick reflected on the moment. “He was looking at me,” he said. “I think he knew what was going on.” It’s a simple statement, but one packed with emotion and meaning. In that split second, Rick wasn’t just helping an animal—he was connecting with another living being who seemed to understand that his life was being saved.

Rick’s bravery didn’t just save Jo-Jo’s life—it also moved people across the country and the world. His story made headlines, and the footage of the rescue—captured by a nearby visitor—served as a powerful reminder that sometimes, doing the right thing means breaking the rules. While zoos have policies and warnings in place to keep visitors safe, Rick chose to act based on compassion and instinct. It was a dangerous move, but it was also a noble one. And in that moment, he reminded all of us what courage really looks like.

We still believe that chimpanzees like Jo-Jo shouldn’t be in enclosures in the first place. They deserve to live freely in the forests where they belong. But Jo-Jo’s story—his near-death experience and miraculous rescue—serves as a stark reminder of the risks and consequences that come with captivity. At the same time, it offers a glimpse of hope in the form of one man’s fearless decision to act.

Please take a moment to share this incredible story. Let it be a tribute to Rick Swope and his amazing act of heroism. In a world that can sometimes feel cold or indifferent, stories like this remind us that there’s still good out there. And sometimes, that good comes from the most unexpected places—like a truck driver at the zoo, jumping into the water to save a drowning chimpanzee.