Did The Zoo Officials Make The Correct Decision To Kill The Gorilla?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/cincinnati-zoo-critics-blame-parents-of-boy-as-anger-mounts-over-shooting-dead-of-gorilla-a7055796.html

Many have said that they didn't, but what was the alternative?

On a radio phone-in this morning, one person was foolish enough to suggest that the parents of the child staged this, so that they could obtain video footage to later sell to the media and put on youtube.

[hc4361]

Other people who were THERE said the gorilla was very agitated

[jambutty]

I don't care hc, you can argue all you like. It shouldn't have been shot, poor creature, and I sincerely hope they prosecute the stupid parents. I've had my say and won't be back on this thread.

[rockyracoon]

Yes it was right to shot him. The keepers were concerned about the child, they know the gorillas behaviour well enough. Would you have rather seen a dead kid?

[Baldric]

///CNN said that zoo staff and the Cincinnati Fire Department were the first responders on the scene, the zoo said. According to a CFD incident report, the gorilla was violently dragging and throwing the child, leading the zoo’s emergency responders to decide to put the gorilla down “to save the child”///

[anotheoldgit]

jambutty

/// I repeat it should NOT have been shot ///

But you haven't answered my question, or have you?

Regardless of whether it had been your child or one close, you would still have said "it should not be shot".

Is it that is what you are saying, at least you have told us all that it was most gentle, perhaps that gentle that you would not have been afraid to go in the enclosure yourself and recovered the child from the arms of that most gentle gorilla?

[anotheoldgit]

jambutty

/// I've had my say and won't be back on this thread. ///

But I would bet that you will still be reading it.

[dannyk13]

It would appear that jambutty puts the life of an animal above that of a child.A bit strange to say the least.

[ladybirder]

Well I could argue children are not an endangered species Danny, but the gorilla is.
But I won't.

[murraymints]

perhaps a trusted keeper should have gone in...in the past kids have been protected not hurt ..but...had it been my child.....such a sad story

[hc4361]

Did you watch the video, murraymints?

[murraymints]

the wee short american thing only..

[hc4361]

http://www.wlwt.com/news/full-video-boy-falls-into-gorilla-world-exhibit-at-cincinnati-zoo/39781440

The full video

[anotheoldgit]

ladybirder

/// Well I could argue children are not an endangered species Danny, but the gorilla is.
But I won't. ///

That thought would not have even entered my mind, but it is a sad fact that there really are people around that think that way.

[murraymints]

oh dear wee boy was clearly at risk....wise decision..post mortem later..zoo/parents ? still a sad day

[hc4361]

There were three gorillas in the enclosure but the zookeepers managed to isolate the other two, thankfully

[gness]

Well, I have thought about this on and off all day and looked at hc's post at 14.25.......

For me......the gorilla should not have been killed....x

[RATTER15]

I think they had no option but to kill the gorilla, the gorilla could have killed the toddler in a blink of an eye.

A dreadful shame!

[Prudie]

I also find it difficult, from watching the video he was not acting aggressively towards the child at all, just rushing through the water bitwas dangerous. More to the point there looks like there was plenty of time for keepers to get in there themselves when he was just sitting with the child.

[webbo3]

Ive seen more of the video on facebook now and the child looked in danger, the gorilla dragged him through the water for about 20ft and then did it again before stsnding there with him.



Dave.

[wolf63]

If a keeper had gone in to get the child it may have all ended peaceful.

But these are huge and powerful animals and. although I don't think that he would have intentionally hurt the child, he could have done so if he had carried on playing with so roughly.

Gorilla are not known for their aggression, unlike the vicious monsters that are out nearest relative. Chimps are capable of being very evil - like us.