Newsweek honored Binti Jua as its ”Hero of the Year,” while People magazine included her among its ”Most Intriguing People” — despite the fact that she wasn’t technically a person.
But what’s even more remarkable is that Binti Jua’s act wasn’t just a result of zoo training — though she had been hand-raised and taught to care for infant gorillas.
Her maternal instincts, though honed in a zoo environment, were as natural as any mother’s protective instincts — proving that the desire to nurture, protect, and care for others transcends species.
The aftermath – what happened
The incident sparked also debates among experts. Some wondered if Binti Jua’s actions were a result of careful training by the zoo, while others believed that her behavior reflected innate empathy.
