Rick was warned that chimps are dangerous and 7 times stronger than a man, but still jumped into the exhibit. As he grabs the drowning chimp, he sees out of the corner of his eye another angry chimp running his way.

In 1990, a brave act of heroism unfolded at the Detroit Zoo when a chimpanzee named Jo-Jo fell into a man-made moat inside his enclosure. Chased by a more aggressive chimpanzee, Jo-Jo jumped over a fence and became trapped in the water, struggling to stay afloat. While onlookers watched in shock, 33-year-old truck driver Rick Swope, who was visiting with his family, decided to disregard zoo warnings and jump in to save Jo-Jo.

Despite the risks—chimpanzees being up to five times stronger than humans, the presence of other chimps, and the off-limits area—Rick acted without hesitation. After struggling to pull Jo-Jo to safety, even losing hold of him at one point, Rick finally rescued the 200-pound chimpanzee, who was in poor condition but alive.

Rick’s selfless act of bravery saved Jo-Jo’s life, and he later shared, “He was looking at me. I think he knew what was going on.” This incredible moment serves as a reminder of the lengths some will go to in order to help others, human or animal.