The director of Belgrade Zoo talks to Sami the chimp trying to convince him to come back to the zoo, 1988

 

The director of Belgrade Zoo talks to Sami the chimp trying to convince him to come back to the zoo, 1988

Sami was a chimpanzee who lived in Belgrade Zoo between 1988-1992. He broke out twice in February 1988. When Sami was introduced to his enclosure he became depressed and showed aggressive behavior. The enclosure was poor and conditions were not at a good standard. Due to these conditions, and a primal instinct to be free, Sami broke out and explored the streets of Belgrade. Sami did not cause any damage but people were frightened of him. He went to Kalemegdan Park and was cornered. The zoo director, Vuj Bojovik, called Sami and began to talk to him. Bojovik was the only person Sami trusted. Bojovik told him "Sami, let's go home" and Sami took his hand. They then went back to the zoo. Two days later, Sami broke out. He wandered around the zoo before going into Belrade once again. Many tried to capture Sami with a net but he continued his adventure. Sami was once again cornered at a garage roof. Many gathered to support him and shouted slogans such as "We are with you, Sami". At the time, Yugoslavia was under communist oppression, and many sympathized with Sami, feeling trapped and restricted. Sami became a symbol of resistance and freedom. He was once again brought back to the zoo where conditions improved. He died in 1992 and there is a statue of Sami at his grave in his honor.