Cincinnati police have released dramatic audio of a mother’s call for help after her son fell into a gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo over the weekend.
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While they have been blamed for the gorilla’s death by some people during a storm of social media and other commentary on the death, the family expressed appreciation for those offering support.
The family of a toddler who fell into a gorilla exhibit in OH – facing a torrent of criticism after zookeepers were forced to shoot the rare animal – suggested on Wednesday well-wishers should donate to the Cincinnati Zoo.
The Cincinnati police say they are investigating the parents to see if criminal charges are warranted.
Eventually, zoo security killed the gorilla to keep the little boy safe.
Some have been quick to blame the 3-year-old’s mom, while others think the zoo needs to be held accountable since the child managed to get around its barriers.
Another can be heard trying to quiet the gathering crowd and high-pitched screaming that erupted as the gorilla dragged the boy through a moat.
The summary of incident calls obtained by The Associated Press through a records request includes descriptions of the gorilla holding the boy on top of rocks in the enclosure and swinging the child back and forth.
Experts said it would more likely be used for research.
“Come out to the zoo and have a good time for yourself and for them”, said Wetzel.
“How old is your son”, the operator continues.
Harambe, 17, was shot dead by a special zoo response team on Sunday after a four-year-old boy fell into his enclosure.
FOX19 NOW obtained three 911 calls, with the first coming into dispatch at 3:52 p.m. on Saturday.
Hamilton County commissioners on Wednesday said they will ask their appointees to the zoo board to conduct an investigation into the gorilla’s death. WLWT didn’t say who took the photos or how they obtained them.
Videos shows the 17-year-old gorilla, Harambe, dragging the child through the water.
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KSFY News visited the Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown, Tuesday, where the director there also talked about safety and defends the actions the Cincinnati Zoo made to protect the boy.
