In a world full of unpredictability, some moments remind us of the connection between humans and animals.
One such moment happened in 1996 at Brookfield Zoo in Illinois when a female gorilla, Binti Jua, did something that captured the attention of millions.
The Unexpected Helper
On a summer afternoon, a three-year-old boy’s visit to the zoo took a dangerous turn. While climbing the barrier around the gorilla exhibit, he lost his balance and fell 25 feet to the ground, suffering serious injuries.
His mother and bystanders panicked as they watched, unsure of what would happen next. Inside the enclosure, several gorillas were resting. One of them was Binti Jua, a western lowland gorilla.
Jeff Bruno of the Kankakee Fire Department was at the zoo that day. He recalled hearing the boy’s mother scream before witnessing Binti Jua’s remarkable response.
The fall left the boy unconscious. Bruno’s brother-in-law, who had a camera running, captured the entire event. The footage quickly spread and fascinated people worldwide.
A Gentle Act
Amid the chaos, Binti Jua calmly approached the child. Despite the risk, her instincts took over. She carefully picked him up and cradled him in her arms, while her own baby, Koola, clung to her back.
Zoo staff used a hose to keep other gorillas away. Binti Jua then carried the child to the enclosure’s entrance and gently placed him down before stepping away. This allowed rescuers to safely retrieve him.
Bruno recalled that paramedics used whatever was available—including duct tape—to stabilize the boy. Despite his injuries, he survived with only a broken hand and a few bruises.
A Lasting Impact
Binti Jua’s actions spread quickly, turning her into an unexpected hero. The media covered the story for months, and zoo attendance increased as people came to see her. She received special care and treats from staff.
Experts debated whether her actions were instinctive or a result of her training. Regardless, her response challenged common misconceptions about gorillas.
The boy’s identity remains unknown, as his parents kept his name private. His doctors later shared that he had no memory of the incident but was recovering well.
Binti Jua’s story is a reminder that kindness and compassion exist in unexpected places, even among animals.