In August 1996, at Brookfield Zoo in Illinois, a 3-year-old boy inadvertently tumbled approximately 24–25 feet into a gorilla exhibit while visiting the zoo with his family. Though he initially lost consciousness, the situation took an extraordinary turn when an 8-year-old female western lowland gorilla named Binti Jua—weighing around 150–160 pounds—spotted him amid the chaos of seven gorillas in the enclosure.
With her own infant daughter, Koola, clinging to her back, Binti Jua gently approached the unconscious child. In a serene display of maternal care, she cradled him in her arms, protected him from the other gorillas, and carried him calmly to the door of the enclosure, where zoo staff were ready to help.
Once at the service door, she carefully laid the boy down and retreated, allowing the rescue team to safely retrieve him.He was rushed to the hospital with a broken hand and facial cuts, spending around four days in care before making a full recovery. His identity remained private.
Binti Jua’s unexpected and compassionate response captured global attention, transforming her into an international symbol of empathy. She received acclaim as a compassionate heroine. Experts since have discussed whether her response was instinctual or influenced by her training and upbringing—Binti grew up closely with humans and had been specially taught maternal behaviors—but many primatologists cite her actions as a powerful example of empathy in animals.
Her gentle rescue remains a timeless reminder that kindness and protective instincts can cross species boundaries.
