A Gorilla Is Shot and Killed After A Four Year-Old Child Falls Into His Enclosure

May 29th, 2016
​Eli Solidum
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Picture
WCPO Cincinnati
Harambe, a 17 year old Western lowland silverback gorilla, was shot and killed at the Cincinnati Zoo after a four year-old child fell into his enclosure. Harambe was in his cave when the child fell into his enclosure, but the gorilla approached the child, who was in the enclosure for more than ten minutes before Harambe was killed. The video was captured below, where zoo-goers can be heard panicking as the gorilla hovers over the child. 
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The incident, and resulting death of Harambe, was very controversial, as many claim that Harambe was not at fault. Some say that it was the fault of the parents for allowing their child to crawl through and fall into the enclosure in the first place. Others claim that it was an unfortunate and necessary evil in order to save the child, who might have been in danger. There is no doubt that an animal of that size could seriously injure or even kill a young child, but there was also little sign of aggression from Harambe. A report from the Cincinnati fire department claims that the gorilla was violently throwing and dragging the child.

As animal rights activism is escalating, and zoos and aquariums are getting increasingly more criticism for mistreatment of animals, this is a major incident that could have serious implications in the future.

What do you think should have been done? Should the gorilla have been killed? Should the parents be fined for their negligence? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.