In a press conference yesterday, the zoo’s director, Thane Maynard, defended killing the 420-pound gorilla, which he said was agitated and disoriented by the commotion during the 10 minutes after the boy fell.
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The CEO for Zoo Knoxville said they take protecting their animals very seriously, but nothing trumps protecting human life.
“I think it keeps the little guys safer, keeps the gorillas safer, and we can still enjoy seeing them”, said Jo Stokes, who was enjoying a day at the zoo with her family.
The gorilla was sent to the Cincinnati Zoo as part of western lowland gorilla species survival plan for breeding.
Since the incident, the Gorilla World Exhibit has remained closed. He said zoo visitors have been leaving flowers at the exhibit and asking how they could support gorilla conservation.
Wildlife expert Jack Hanna says its tragic the zoo had to make this hard decision but it was the right one. Maynard said Monday the same barriers have been in place during that time.
“We lost an incredible, magnificent animal that is important to our program”, Maynard said.
Famed Columbus zookeeper Jack Hanna says he agrees “1,000 percent” with the zoo’s decision.
Mr Maynard said the decision to kill the gorilla was the right one.
Zoo visitors look at protestors and mourners from a walk bridge during a vigil for the gorilla Harambe outside the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Monday, May 30, 2016, in Cincinnati.
Anthony Seta, an animal rights activist in Cincinnati, helped organize a vigil Monday just outside the zoo gates.
Videos taken by zoo visitors showed the gorilla at times appeared to be protective of the boy, but he also dragged him through the shallow moat.
The boy who entered into the exhibit was taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center for treatment and released hours after the fall.
Many social media commenters have criticized the boy’s parents and said they should be held accountable.
Police are investigating how the toddler got into the enclosure but say there is no question of charges being brought against the parents.
The zoo also released a statement saying: “We are heartbroken about losing Harambe, but a child’s life was in danger and a quick decision had to be made”.
Staff at the zoo have been in tears, he said, despite the messages of support.
On the Facebook page of a pre-school centre where Michelle is believed to work, one woman wrote: “You know what kept your child alive?” Field biologist and chairman of the The Gorilla Organization, Ian Redmond, said shooting was not necessary.
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Stones has been in the zoo business for about 50 years and has worked with Harambe’s family since they first entered the USA, starting with the grandparents.
