The world is outraged after a 17-year-old endangered silverback gorilla, Harambe was shot and killed at Cincinnati Zoo. A four-year-old boy had climbed through a barrier and fallen 4 meters down into the gorilla enclosure.The 204-kg western lowland gorilla dragged the boy through shallow water and up a rock wall. The boy was in the enclosure for 10 minutes but Harambe did not harm him.
Zoo chiefs made the decision to kill Harambe in order to save the boy’s life saying the gorilla was agitated and acting erratically. The boy was taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Medical Centre and released on Saturday night. He was able to walk away with a concussion and a few scrapes.
Zoo Director, Thayne Maynard said, “Looking back, we would make the same decision.” A tranquilizer wasn’t used because it could have a delayed effect and caused the situation to be much worse. He also said that the barriers have been safe for 38 years but all of them will be under review. Staff at the zoo have been in tears and many flowers and commemorative notes have been laid at a gorilla statue at the zoo.
Over 200,000 people have signed an online petition on Change.org for the parents to be held accountable for their lack of supervision. Cincinnati Police have not charged the parents but charges could be sought by the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney.
It seems that some gorillas make better parents than some people.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) May 29, 2016
The mother of the boy, Michelle Gregg said on Facebook, “We are so thankful to the Lord that our child is safe. He is home and doing just fine. We extend our heartfelt thanks for the quick action by the Cincinnati Zoo staff. We know that this was a very difficult decision for them, and that they are grieving the loss of their gorilla.”
