(Cincinnati zoo photo)
Above you see Harambe, the gorilla who was shot and killed so that he would release a three-year-old who fell 10 feet after climbing through the barrier into area where Harambe lives at the Cincinnati zoo. Lived, that is.
I wish they could have used tranquilizers. There are tranquilizers that can drop a hippo instantly, so this was a question still unanswered but if the animal fell, tranquillized, he weighed 400 pounds and that was a danger.
A primatologist stated that Harambe’s behaviour could easily be interpreted as protective, and in this case, it seems to be that to pull away the child from a screaming hysterical crowd would be its first reaction. Perhaps he thought the people were to be feared.
Why wasn’t there someone more qualified at the zoo to assess the danger?
It is a terribly sad and fortunate, but fascinating, incident that will no doubt have many repercussions from many people, not just animal rights’ followers.
But the question is, where were this boy’s parents or guardians? That is the first question, in my mind.
The child was treated at the hospital with no serious wounds, according to the hospital report, although another news item said he was seriously injured. I do not believe it was the gorilla who caused the injury, but this will come out sooner or later.
Harambe is a member of an endangered species and is herbivorous and was said to be “a good old guy” his keepers.
But yes, a small child apparently in danger must be dealt with asap with whatever means it takes to save him/her.
I would appreciate comments on this. I am very sad, along with mama and papa, about the whole incident.
I don’t know what to think, but I am very glad the little boy is unharmed. Boy, will he have a story to tell when he grows up…
A very sad situation. We only know what was in the news reports so there isn’t much we can say. We do wonder how the child was able to wander away from his parents with this result, but we haven’t seen any info on their whereabouts. It shouldn’t have happened but it did. 🙁
Yes,we do not have all the info yet and a child was saved. A very difficult situation but the video shows a caring action on the part of the gorilla. I wish Jane Goodall could comment.
I know, it is very sad, but yes, a child was saved, and yes, thee could have been dire consequences for the child had Harambe fallen over on the child with a tranquiller in him!!! It is said that he could crush a coconut with one hand. Some food for thought….
You look very bootyful LouLou. We hadn’t heard this story but it’s not da furst or last of it’s kind. Unfurtunately peeps these days don’t make their kids mind, don’t discipline them and don’t teach them. And then, they don’t watch them when they bring them out into da public. We too wonder where da kids pawrents are and figger they were busy eatin’, snappin’ fotos, or just ignorin’ da kid in da furst place. And yes, we find it sad dat da furst course of action was to kill. Dat’s unfurtunately what puts humans at da top of da food chain. Da furst reaction is always to kill. Humans take majestic anipals and put them in a cage and then when humans encroach further by entering dat cage da animal dies. It’s all very sad and heart wrenching.
Luv ya’
Dezi
Yes, all so sad and it was such a difficult situation for everyone. My heart is heavy.