The Boy Who Fell in Brookfield Zoo: A Heartwarming Rescue

Zoo Core Editors Desk

The Boy Who Fell in Brookfield Zoo: A Heartwarming Rescue

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On August 16, 1996, a 3-year-old boy accidentally fell nearly 20 feet into the Western Lowland Gorilla Pit at the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois. This harrowing incident was captured on video and garnered international attention, thanks to the heroic actions of an 8-year-old gorilla named Binti Jua.

The Rescue

Binti Jua, whose name means “daughter of sunshine,” carefully cradled the unconscious boy in her arms and carried him to a service door where zoo personnel could reach him. This remarkable act was a testament to Binti Jua’s maternal instincts and compassion, as she had her own 17-month-old baby, Koola, clinging to her back during the rescue.

Condition of the Boy

Boy Who Fell in Brookfield Zoo

The boy sustained injuries, including a broken hand and facial cuts, but he received medical care for four days following the incident. Despite the severity of the fall, he made a full recovery.

Crowd Reaction

The crowd at the zoo was initially horrified as they witnessed the boy fall into the gorilla enclosure. However, as Binti Jua carried the boy to safety, the crowd’s reaction shifted to amazement and gratitude. The incident was widely reported and celebrated, with many praising Binti Jua’s heroic actions.

Binti Jua’s Background

Binti Jua was born in the Columbus Zoo in Ohio in March 1988. She was initially neglected by her mother and was raised by humans. This unusual upbringing may have contributed to her strong maternal instincts and ability to empathize with the injured child.

Legacy

Binti Jua’s actions in 1996 were recalled in 2016 when a similar incident occurred at the Cincinnati Zoo, where a gorilla named Harambe was shot and killed after a 3-year-old boy entered the enclosure. The contrast between the two incidents highlighted the remarkable nature of Binti Jua’s rescue.

Current Status

Binti Jua remains a resident at the Brookfield Zoo, where she continues to live and thrive. Her heroic actions have made her an international sensation and a beloved figure at the zoo.

Additional Details

  • The incident occurred on August 16, 1996, at the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois.
  • The boy fell nearly 20 feet into the Western Lowland Gorilla Pit.
  • Binti Jua, an 8-year-old gorilla, carefully carried the unconscious boy to safety.
  • The boy sustained injuries, including a broken hand and facial cuts, but made a full recovery.
  • Binti Jua’s unusual upbringing, being raised by humans after being neglected by her mother, may have contributed to her strong maternal instincts.
  • The incident was widely reported and celebrated, with many praising Binti Jua’s heroic actions.
  • Binti Jua’s actions were contrasted with the 2016 incident at the Cincinnati Zoo, where a gorilla named Harambe was shot and killed after a 3-year-old boy entered the enclosure.
  • Binti Jua remains a resident at the Brookfield Zoo, where she continues to live and thrive as an international sensation and beloved figure.

References

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