Hero jumps zoo fence to save drowning chimpanzee in dramatic rescue
Rick Swope risked his life to save a panicked chimp after zoo staff refused to help
When a chimpanzee began drowning at the Detroit Zoo, one man leapt into action—literally—risking his life to save the helpless animal in front of a stunned crowd.
It was just an ordinary visit to the zoo for Rick Swope and his family back in 1990. The 33-year-old truck driver was watching the chimpanzee enclosure with his wife and three children when something shocking happened. An 18-year-old chimp named Jo-Jo had been chased by a more aggressive chimp and, in an effort to escape, accidentally fell into the man-made moat inside the enclosure.
Chimpanzees aren’t natural swimmers. Jo-Jo thrashed and struggled in the water, clearly panicked and unable to keep his head above the surface. A crowd of around 10 onlookers watched in horror—but the zoo staff didn’t act.
Despite signs warning visitors to stay out of the enclosure and the clear danger posed by the other chimps, Rick made a split-second decision. He jumped over the guardrail and dove into the moat.
A risky but brave decision
Chimpanzees are incredibly strong—up to five times stronger than the average human—and their behavior can be unpredictable, especially when they feel threatened. Rick knew the risks, but his focus was on saving Jo-Jo.
“It was like he knew I was there to help him,” Rick later told the Chicago Tribune. “He was looking right at me.”
Rick swam to the struggling animal and tried to lift him out of the water. At one point, Jo-Jo slipped from his grasp and disappeared below the surface again. But Rick didn’t give up. On his second attempt, he managed to get Jo-Jo onto dry land.
The chimp was in rough shape—exhausted and barely conscious—but he was alive, thanks to Rick’s quick action.
Zoo staff’s inaction sparks debate
While Rick’s bravery earned him national praise, many were left asking why zoo staff didn’t intervene. According to reports, the zookeepers said it was too dangerous for them to enter the enclosure, especially with multiple chimps present.
That explanation didn’t sit well with everyone. Onlookers and animal lovers questioned whether more could have been done to prevent the situation or help Jo-Jo once he was in trouble.
Others saw the event as a heartbreaking reminder of why wild animals shouldn’t be kept in zoos at all. Chimpanzees are intelligent, social creatures who belong in the wild—not behind fences and moats.
Decades later, Rick Swope’s act of heroism continues to inspire people around the world. His courage in that moment didn’t just save a chimpanzee’s life—it reminded us of the powerful bond that can exist between humans and animals, even in the most dangerous of situations.
Jo-Jo’s near-drowning also sparked ongoing conversations about zoo safety, animal welfare, and the responsibility humans have toward the creatures we choose to care for.
Would you have jumped in? Rick Swope didn’t hesitate—and that’s what made all the difference.
