Two chimpanzees started playing near the water in the exhibit. Jo-Jo was smaller than the other chimpanzees. Try to escape by running through the trees. The other chimpanzee was right behind. When Jo Jo tried to get away from the larger chimpanzee, he fell through, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Chimpanzees can’t swim, so they need help right away. He couldn’t reach the edge of the water to get out. Guests watched anxiously to see if zoo workers would do anything to help Jo-Jo get out of the water.
Although the workers asked Rick not to enter the show, he jumped into the water to save the chimpanzees. Using his free arm and legs, Rick pulled Jo Jo to the edge of the water so they could both get out.
Rick noticed that the chimp never did anything to him, although the same couldn’t be said for another chimp who had come down from the cliff with his bare teeth. He quickly made his way out of the show. In comments to the Chicago Tribune, the zoo director said Rick was the most humble person and was simply embarrassed by the attention his heroism brought him.
