Gorilla killing: Zoo exhibit to reopen next week

My son fell in the zoo exhibit at the gorilla, at the Cincinnati Zoo.

In a statement, the zoo reiterates that the “previous barrier passed multiple inspections by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and adhered to safety guidelines”.

On Saturday, May 28, a 3-year-old boy climbed through existing barriers and fell into the Gorilla World exhibit.

Alesia Buttrey, of Cincinnati, holds a sign with a picture of the gorilla Harambe during a vigil in his honor outside the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Monday, May 30, 2016, in Cincinnati.

In wake of the recent incident, where a gorilla was shot dead by zoo authorities for saving a young child, there is a question in everyone’s mind about how risky gorillas really are.

On Thursday, Cincinnati police turned over the results of their investigation to a prosecutor. Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters is expected to announce a decision Friday, his office said.

A Cincinnati police report identifies the boy’s mother as 32-year-old Michelle Gregg, who works at a preschool near Cincinnati.

Last night it was revealed they had recommended not pursuing charges against Ms Gregg, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

The family of the toddler who fell into the enclosure and was dragged around by the 450-pound gorilla have expressed their thanks to the Cincinnati Zoo. Many believe a criminal investigation was launched because the family is Black and that they are being persecuted unfairly and there may be some credence to this assumption. As she pleads for help, she shouts at her son repeatedly: “Be calm!”

While many have condemned the zoo for killing the endangered ape, the zoo defended itself by pointing out that a tranquilizer dart may not have worked quickly enough to prevent the gorilla from harming the child.

Maynard said while the zoo was “devastated” by Harambe’s death, “we were very glad the little boy is OK”.

The boy’s family released a statement on Wednesday thanking those that have been supportive and shown concern since the unfortunate zoo incident.