The story of Binti Jua: The gorilla who stunned the world

In a world characterized by chaos and unpredictability, certain moments serve as poignant reminders of the deep connections we share with all living beings.

One such instance occurred over twenty years ago at the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois, when Binti Jua, a 160-pound female gorilla, performed an extraordinary act that resonated with millions.

The unexpected savior
On a warm summer day in 1996, a visit to the zoo took a frightening turn for a 3-year-old boy. While attempting to climb over the barrier of the gorilla enclosure, he fell 25 feet to the ground, sustaining serious injuries.

The boy’s mother and onlookers reacted with screams of terror, uncertain of what would unfold next. Inside the enclosure, seven large primates were resting.

Among them was Binti Jua, a rare female western lowland gorilla.

Kankakee Fire Department Captain Jeff Bruno, who was present that day, recalls the event vividly.

“August 16 — 2:10 p.m.,” he recounted to CBS in 2016.

Jeff was at the zoo with two other families when they heard the boy’s mother scream and witnessed Binti Jua’s remarkable reaction.

At the moment of the fall, the boy struck his head and lost consciousness. Bruno offered assistance, while his brother-in-law quickly grabbed his running camera, capturing the extraordinary rescue. This footage would later circulate globally and continues to engage viewers today.

Had there been no cameras, the story might have seemed unbelievable if recounted by someone else. Yet, amidst the chaos, the gorilla approached the unconscious child with remarkable composure.

Despite the potential danger, Binti Jua’s maternal instincts were immediately activated. In the footage, she can be seen scanning her surroundings, looking left, right, and upward, as if searching for assistance. It is astonishing how she instinctively understood what was required.

Gently cradling the child in her arms, she protected him from harm, all while her baby Koola remained on her back. She even used a hose to keep the other gorillas at bay.Zoo staff utilized a hose to disperse the other gorillas while Binti Jua carefully placed the boy near the entrance of the exhibit before swiftly withdrawing, enabling zookeepers and paramedics to safely retrieve him.

“We evaluated the boy and secured him. I believe we used duct tape since that was the only material available,” Bruno stated.

Some speculate that this action was a conscious decision by the gorilla, as if she recognized the significance of ensuring the boy’s safety. Although the child sustained injuries, including a broken hand and several bruises, he ultimately survived the incident.

The narrative of Binti Jua’s courageous actions rapidly gained attention, becoming a powerful symbol of empathy and compassion. People worldwide were captivated by the connection between a gorilla and a human child. The zoo faced minimal criticism following the event.

For months, the media extensively covered the story of the gorilla who unintentionally became a hero, drawing visitors eager to witness her gentle and protective demeanor firsthand.

She received an abundance of special treats and attention from the zoo staff, as crowds gathered to see the compassionate gorilla who had saved a child. Newsweek recognized Binti Jua as its “Hero of the Year,” while People magazine featured her among its “Most Intriguing People,” despite her being a non-human.

In an era marked by division, Binti Jua’s story serves as a poignant reminder that kindness can emerge from the most unexpected places.

Whether it is a parent safeguarding their child or a gorilla looking after a stranger’s child, the instinct to care for others and demonstrate empathy is a universal trait.

Binti Jua’s legacy transcends that of a gorilla who rescued a child; it embodies love, compassion, and the reminder that we are all interconnected in ways we may not fully comprehend. Share this story if you resonate with this message!