Poll: Should the Cincinnati Zoo have shot Harambe?
When a 4-year-old child fell into the gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo last Saturday, zoo officials say they had no choice but to react with deadly force.
The 17-year-old silverback gorilla, Harambe, interacted with the child for about 10 minutes. At times he looked protective, but he also dragged him around violently through the enclosure’s moat.
After about 10 minutes, the zoo’s Dangerous Animal Response Team shot and killed Harambe, and the child was taken to an area hospital, where he was treated for serious injuries.
Zoo officials say that the possibility of a tranquilizer dart was ruled out because it would not have taken effect immediately, and might have aggravated the gorilla further.
In the aftermath of the incident, zoo officials said they’d make the same call again to ensure the safety of the child, while animal rights activists held a vigil for Harambe at the Cincinnati Zoo on Memorial Day.
Former Columbus Zoo director Jack Hanna weighed in on the issue, saying “there was absolutely no other decision to make.”
Meanwhile, animal rights activists called the shooting a senseless loss.
The boy’s parents issued a statement Sunday saying he’s recovering, and the zoo’s gorilla exhibit has been closed since the incident.
Do you think shooting Harambe was the right decision? Tell us below!
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