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A gorilla was shot and killed in Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio on Saturday after dragging around a 4-year-old boy who had entered its enclosure. The gorilla, a 17-year-old called Harambe, (pictured) was shot after zookeepers decided a tranquilizer dart would be too slow to take effect. This footage, recorded by a family member of the person who posted it, Amber Soler shows the gorilla dragging the boy around.
“So this actually happened while my Mom and several other family members where right there at the gorilla exhibit.” Amber wrote on Facebook.
“The news has been using the video they took on their phones. This video gives me serious anxiety. I can’t even imagine how scary it must have been to witness. Sad that the gorilla had to be put down, but I’m glad the child survived and I hope he makes a full recovery. #cincinnatizoo #gorilla #harambe.”
A statement released by Cincinnati Zoo on the incident, reads:
“A 4-year-old boy climbed through a public barrier at Gorilla World at around 4pm today at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and fell into the exhibit’s moat. The two female gorillas in the exhibit were recalled immediately, but the third, a male, remained in the yard with the child. The Zoo’s Dangerous Animal Response Team responded to the life-threatening situation and made the difficult decision to dispatch the gorilla (Harambe).
“The Zoo security team’s quick response saved the child’s life. We are all devastated that this tragic accident resulted in the death of a critically-endangered gorilla,” said Zoo Director Thane Maynard. “This is a huge loss for the Zoo family and the gorilla population worldwide.”
The child was alert when transported to Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The hospital is not releasing details on his condition. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and little boy,” said Maynard.
The Zoo will be open tomorrow, but Gorilla World will be closed until further notice.”