In 1986, a five-year-old boy named Levan Merritt accidentally fell into a gorilla enclosure at Jersey Zoo. What happened next was extraordinary—a silverback gorilla named Jambo protected him instead of attacking. Decades later, Levan shared how this incredible encounter shaped his life.
A Terrifying Fall into the Gorilla Enclosure
During a family trip to Jersey Zoo, young Levan, like any curious child, leaned over the railing to get a closer look at the gorillas. But in a split second, he lost his balance and tumbled into the enclosure. The fall knocked him unconscious, leaving his family watching in shock and fear.
As Levan lay on the ground, a silverback gorilla named Jambo approached him. It was a heart-stopping moment. A wild animal standing over a helpless child could have led to a disaster, but something remarkable happened instead.
Jambo the Gorilla Becomes Levan’s Protector
Jambo’s response stunned everyone. He didn’t act aggressively but rather did something unexpected. Jambo stood guard over Levan, gently stroking his back, almost as if offering comfort. The gorilla blocked the other animals from getting close to the boy, keeping him safe.
Levan, who had suffered a cracked skull and a broken arm from the fall, regained consciousness and began screaming in pain. His cries startled Jambo, who quickly retreated, but the memory of his protective behavior left a lasting impact.
A Dramatic Rescue
With Jambo stepping away, zoo staff rushed in to save Levan. A zookeeper entered the enclosure with a stick, followed by another worker and an ambulance crew. Together, they managed to get Levan out of the enclosure and airlifted him to a hospital. There, he spent six weeks recovering from his injuries.
Although Levan endured significant injuries, he didn’t harbor fear or resentment toward animals. Instead, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for Jambo, the gorilla that chose to guard him instead of causing harm.
Gratitude and a Lifelong Love for Animals
Years later, Levan reflected on the life-altering experience during an interview with MailOnline. He has remained closely connected to Jersey Zoo, often visiting to relive that pivotal moment. “I am forever thankful to Jambo,” Levan said. “It could have gone one of two ways, but what he did was amazing.”
While Levan faced bullying at school because of the incident, with peers mocking him for the fall, he never let it dampen his love for animals. Instead, he embraced that love, passing it on to his own children.
Now a father, Levan enjoys taking his kids to Tilgate Park in Crawley, a park with a small zoo. Though his children are currently more interested in dinosaurs, he hopes they’ll one day share his passion for animals. “I would love to take them to Jersey Zoo someday,” Levan added. “I’ve visited a few times since, and every time I go, I feel lucky to be here.”
A Different Outcome Than Harambe’s Tragic Case
Levan’s story stands in stark contrast to the infamous 2017 incident at Cincinnati Zoo, when a three-year-old boy fell into a gorilla enclosure. That situation ended in tragedy when zoo officials shot and killed the gorilla, Harambe, to protect the child. Harambe’s death sparked global outrage and intense debates over whether the situation could have been handled differently.
While Levan’s encounter could have ended similarly, it didn’t. Jambo’s gentle and protective actions stood as a symbol of hope, showing that wild animals can display compassion in certain circumstances.
The Lasting Impact on Levan’s Life
Levan continues to reflect on how the event shaped his outlook. He often marvels at how the encounter could have ended in disaster but instead became a story of kindness. His connection to Jersey Zoo and the memory of Jambo’s protective instincts have remained integral parts of his life.
As a father, Levan cherishes the moments he spends teaching his children about animals. Though they’re more fascinated by dinosaurs for now, he knows they’ll grow to appreciate the lessons he learned from Jambo’s compassion.
Levan’s experience reminds us of the often misunderstood nature of wild animals. His life was forever changed by Jambo’s choice to protect him, leaving a legacy of respect and admiration for the animal kingdom.
