Phyllis Brown
Photographs often capture moments frozen in time, but some images carry a much deeper story.
One such captivating photograph is of Vuk Bojović, the director of Belgrade Zoo, calmly negotiating with Sami, a chimpanzee who had twice escaped his enclosure in 1988.
In this post, we’ll explore the intriguing story behind the photo, delve into Sami’s unforgettable escapes, and reflect on the emotional bond between man and animal.
The Lonely Chimpanzee Looking for Freedom
In January 1988, Sami, a chimpanzee born in Osijek Zoo, arrived at the Belgrade Zoo. A robust and well-developed creature, Sami was introduced to his new home, an enclosure far too small and inadequate for his needs.
Unlike the more natural environments he was used to, this new space was quite suffocating. It wasn’t long before Sami began exhibiting signs of distress—aggression, depression, and isolation.
Belgrade Zoo’s director, Vuk Bojović, noticed Sami’s growing discomfort. Despite efforts to care for him, his behavior worsened.
The First Escape
Sami made his first escape on a cold Sunday evening, February 21, 1988. It was around 8 PM when zoo staff realized the chimp had broken free from his enclosure. News quickly spread through Belgrade as Sami wandered the streets. People fascination and fear.
Where was Sami headed? The local news speculated that Sami might be searching for a mate since he was kept alone. He passed the Balkan Cinema in downtown Belgrade and toward Kalemegdan Park.
This unusual visitor caused some commotion, as a chimpanzee freely roaming the streets of a major city wasn’t something you see every day!
The crowd of curious onlookers grew. People watched from their windows, followed along from a distance, and hoped for Sami’s safe return to the zoo.
By 9 PM, Sami was cornered at Students Square, surrounded by police officers and zoo staff, but none could get close to him. It was clear that only one person could approach Sami—the man he trusted most, zoo director Vuk Bojović.
Vuk calmly approached Sami, extending his hand, and simply said, “Come on, let’s go home.” With thousands watching, Sami held Vuk’s hand, and the two walked together to Vuk’s personal car. Sami climbed into the car, and the two returned to the zoo.
It was an image that struck a chord with many Belgraders, symbolizing not just the bond between animals and humans but also the subtle desire for freedom, connection, and understanding.
The Second Escape
Two days later, Sami escaped once again. This time, however, he was more determined. Breaking out of his cage with ease, Sami found himself at the Beko Factory.
The workers there attempted to capture him with a net, but Sami was elusive. He darted away to a nearby courtyard, climbing atop a cherry tree and then onto a garage roof.
Once again, Vuk was called in. Thousands of people gathered at the scene, many holding signs reading “Sami, we’re with you!” and “Don’t give yourself up, Sami!”
Vuk climbed onto the roof. He spoke to Sami and convinced him to come down. But this time, Sami refused. The team had no choice but to use a tranquilizer dart to bring Sami down safely.
Newspapers published eulogies calling Sami a “dissident,” and his escape was seen as a reflection of a desire for freedom among Belgrade’s residents.
One poignant reflection from a local newspaper described the event: “Sami did what many could not. He defied his cage.”
A Lasting Legacy
Sami lived on for several more years at the zoo but sadly passed away on 11th September 1992. In honor of Sami, the Belgrade Zoo erected a bronze statue of him, forever remembering the spirited chimp who captured the heart of a city.
The statue stands across from the zoo’s improved residence for chimpanzees—a tribute to the lessons learned from Sami’s story.
