Animal rights activists continued to protest Monday the shooting of a gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo so authorities could rescue a child who had fallen into the animal’s enclosure.
Officials at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden said looking back, they “would make the same decision” over again to shoot the 200kg gorilla
The boy’s mother said her son was recovering from a concussion and a few scrapes. She asked others not to judge her because “accidents happen.” She also expressed condolences to the zoo for the loss of 17-year-old Harambe.
Many believe the gorilla was protecting the child that fell into the enclosure and shooting it dead was unjustified.
More than 200,000 people had signed online petitions protesting the shooting the endangered gorilla. Some petitions urged police to hold the child’s parents accountable.
The most popular petition “Justice for Harambe” also urges child protective services to investigate the boy’s home to guard against “further incidents of negligence”.
People laid flowers and commemorative notes at a gorilla statue inside the zoo, and local media reported that activists planned a vigil on Monday.
Police in Cincinnati on Sunday said the parents haven’t been charged, however, charges could be sought by the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
