The My Hero Project

Celebrate the best of humanity.

ANIMAL HERO:

BINTI JUA

by Nancy Nickerson

Binti Jua is the hero of the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois. The 8-year-old western lowland gorilla rescued a 3-year-old child who climbed a railing and fell 18 feet into the zoo's exhibit. Zoo officials responded immediately, but it was Binti who got to the unconscious boy first and carried him to an area where the humans could attend to him. Her own 17-month-old baby, Koola, clutched her back throughout the incident.

Binti Jua was born in 1988 at the Columbus Zoo, which has one of the most successful gorilla breeding programs in the country. Her father, Sunshine, was from the San Francisco Zoo and her mother, Lulu, was from the Bronx Zoo. Binti's Aunt, Koko (Sunshine's older sister), lives at the Gorilla Foundation in Woodside, California. She is famous for her extensive knowledge of American Sign Language, which she uses to communicate with humans and her Gorilla-friend, Michael.

Binti Jua was hand-reared at the San Francisco Zoo. Hand-reared animals often lack the mothering skills they would have obtained in the wild, so in 1991 she was moved to Chicago to be trained for motherhood. Binti Jua seems to have learned her lessons well. The little boy Binti Jua saved spent 4 days in the hospital and was then released. Binti Jua's gentleness made her a hero.

Written by Nancy Nickerson

Last changed on: 4/26/2009 10:32:48 AM

Koko Koko is Binti Jua's famous aunt.

Lee sobre Binti en español Read about Binti in Spanish!

Peaceful Kingdom: Random Acts of Kindness by Animals
by Stephanie Laland

More Featured Animal Heroes


1925 Serum Run Participants ran an astonishing race to save lives	Annie Bronn Johnston worked to save the wild mustangs in the United States	Balto led his dog team on the lifesaving 1925 serum run to Rome, Alaska	Bandit saved Courtney from a venomous snake.	Big Ben raced his way into the hearts and memories of fans.	Binti Jua rescued a small boy at a Chicago zoo.

Cyclops was a brave and loving dog and is deeply missed.	Dian Fossey worked to protect the endangered Mountain Gorilla.	Dolphins provide therapeutic interactions with people.	Dr. Shirley McGreal founded the International Primate Protection League.	Friends of the Sea Lion rescue, treat, and release these mammals back into the ocean.	Ginny had a wonderful instinct for finding cats in need and rescuing them.

Hero, a Dog Gareth Jones' assitance dog affords him companionship and freedom.	James Herriot inspired Sarah Cowan to become a veterinarian.	Jane Goodall is an authority on wild chimpanzees.	Koko shows people that animals have feelings, wants and needs.	Mary Lou Naso & Harry visit hospitals to spread smiles.	Max Seefried brought comfort and joy to Joey and his family.

Patsy Ann was the official greeter of Juneau, Alaska.	Pax mission in life is to be a Peacemaker.	Puppies Behind Bars benefits both inmates and dogs.	Ric O'Barry works to free captive dolphins around the world.	S.A.D. Horse Rescue is dedicated to rescuing neglected draft horses.	Sandy is a family hero.

Shasta participated in rescue missions in Alaska for years	Spencer sight saved his disabled owner from a potential disaster.	The Buffalo has a special place in North American history and culture.	The Heifer Organization works with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth.	Tuscie Leigh's dog Tuscie warned her of a hidden fire.