Struggling with his identity
This incident with his father took its toll on young Joe, who was heartbroken by his father’s reaction and disapproval of his son. One day – following this day, where his father said he was no longer his son – while he was still chief of police, he drove his police cruiser off a bridge in an attempt to take his own life.
Joe survived this car crash, but he was left with severe injuries and was forced to spend the next few months in traction and rehabilitation. This terminated his three-year career as a police officer, but in a way, it was what allowed Joe to find his true calling – the animal park.