In 1990, a chimpanzee named Jo-Jo at the Detroit Zoo fell into a moat after being chased by a more aggressive chimp. Struggling to stay afloat, Jo-Jo began drowning, and a crowd of shocked onlookers, including truck driver Rick Swope, witnessed the event.
Despite the risk, Swope, accompanied by his family, jumped into the water to save Jo-Jo. Although the chimpanzee was five times stronger than a human and the area was off-limits, Swope didn’t hesitate.
After several attempts, he successfully rescued the 18-year-old, 200-pound chimp, bringing him to safety. Jo-Jo survived, and Rick’s heroic act became a symbol of selflessness.
