Humans and animals are naturally connected and this is why a lot of people enjoy caring for animals; however, there are only few who would risk their lives to save their furry friends.
Among those few is without doubt this man who took the animal lover term to a whole different level.
A Visit to the ZOO Transforms into a Rescuing Mission
The man, Rick Swope, came with his wife and three children to the recently opened chimpanzee exhibit at a ZOO in Detroit, Michigan for a day of entertainment and excitement.
Together, they looked onto the Chimps of Harambee exhibit and were looking forward to watch the playful chimp.
But, while exploring the new display, the family couldn’t believe what they were seeing all of a sudden.
Namely, 2 chips were caught in a skirmish on the grass near the water and one of the chimps, Jo-Jo, was quite small.
Jo-Jo decided to break towards the trees and the bigger chimp came after him.
Jo-Jo tried to get away; unfortunately, he fell with the feet into the water-filled moat in the exhibit.
The chimp needed help as it can’t swim-his only hope was someone to come and rescue him.
The crowd was watching in horror when Jo-Jo dipped below the water’s surface. He couldn’t swim to the edge even though he made it back up.
The staff was frozen and didn’t know what to-but Rick was ready for action. He headed towards the border of the exhibit despite the staff warning him to stay away as apes can be really aggressive and territorial.
He ignored these warnings and danger and jumped to save the drowning chimp.
Rick Becomes a Part of the Exhibit-Takes over the Show
He grabbed him with his left arm and he used his right arm and legs to propel them towards the surface.
After a tough struggle, Jo-Jo was finally saved. Rick later noted that when he brought him to the bank, the chimp wasn’t moving. He was without energy, but Rick knew he was alive because he was looking at him.
Rick said that everyone was just standing around and watching the monkey drown and when it went down, he knew he needed to do something.
Indeed, his unique bravery shows what a real animal lover can do and that their love has no limits!
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