In 1996, at the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois, a tragedy was narrowly averted by the most unlikely of rescuers—a Western Lowland gorilla named Binti Jua.

The Incident
The world watched in a mix of horror and awe when a three-year-old boy climbed over a railing and fell nearly 20 feet into the gorilla enclosure, knocking himself unconscious. As visitors screamed in panic, a female gorilla carrying her own 17-month-old infant on her back approached the motionless child.

A Gentle Rescue
Instead of reacting with aggression, Binti Jua demonstrated an incredible nurturing instinct. She gently picked up the boy, cradled him in her arms, and protected him from the other gorillas in the habitat. With remarkable poise, she carried him to the service door where zookeepers were waiting.

A Lesson in Empathy
Binti Jua’s actions made headlines worldwide and sparked a global conversation about the emotional intelligence of animals. Experts noted that Binti had been hand-raised by humans and taught “maternal skills” with a stuffed animal, which may have contributed to her quick, caring response.

To this day, Binti Jua remains a symbol of the profound connection between species, proving that kindness is a universal language.