Over 20 years ago at the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois, a remarkable moment of empathy unfolded when Binti Jua, a 160-pound female gorilla, became an unexpected hero.
On a summer day in 1996, a 3-year-old boy fell 25 feet into the gorilla enclosure, injuring himself severely. Panic spread as onlookers screamed, but Binti Jua responded with surprising calm. She gently approached the unconscious child, scanning her surroundings for help, and cradled him in her arms. Despite the danger, her maternal instincts took over.
Zoo staff used a hose to drive away the other gorillas while Binti Jua carefully placed the boy near the exhibit’s entrance, allowing paramedics to safely retrieve him. The boy, though injured, survived with a broken hand and bruises.
Binti Jua’s actions quickly became famous, symbolizing compassion across species. Experts debated whether her response was a result of training or natural empathy. However, her protective behavior, honed in a zoo environment, demonstrated a deep, innate sense of care, transcending the typical perception of gorillas as aggressive animals.
The boy’s identity remains private, but he recovered well. The story of Binti Jua’s heroic act spread worldwide, leaving a lasting impression of the profound connection between humans and animals.