As a kid living in Africa, Jill Young watched while protecting gorillas from poachers led by Andrei Strasser, her mother killed. An adult, Jill cares to an orphaned gorilla named Joe. After Gregg O'Hara arrives from California and sees the creature that Jill convinces which Joe could be closest at his wildlife refuge. But Strasser follows them to the U.S., intent on capturing Joe for themself.