Cincinnati Zoo director defends shooting of gorilla

CINCINNATI, May 31 (UPI) -- The director of the Cincinnati Zoo defended the decision to shoot and kill Harambe the gorilla after a 3-year-old boy climbed into its enclosure.

The death of Harambe, a critically endangered western lowland gorilla, prompted outrage over the decision to shoot, rather than tranquilize, the 450-pound animal, as well as calls to prosecute the boy's parents. Cincinnati Police Lt. Stephen Saunders said there are currently no plans to charge the parents.

The unidentified 3-year-old boy walked under a rail and through wires Saturday before he fell 15 feet into a protective moat. The gorilla is seen on video holding the boy's hand, but then grabbed his arm at one point and dragging him through the water.

"We did not take the shooting of Harambe lightly, but that child's life was in danger," said Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard. "People who question that don't understand you can't take a risk with a silverback gorilla. This is a dangerous animal. Looking back, we'd make the same decision. The child is safe."

"We had a very difficult situation and we made a difficult call at the end. I'm not here to point fingers about fault. We live in the real world, we make real decisions. People and kids can climb over barriers. We work hard to make sure this zoo is safe."

Maynard added that the zoo's enclosures have been inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and that the incident was the first breach of an exhibit in 38 years.

In a statement, the child's parents said: "We extend our heartfelt thanks for the quick action by the Cincinnati Zoo staff. We know that this was a very difficult decision for them, and that they are grieving the loss of their gorilla."

The zoo's Gorilla World exhibit has been closed to visitors since the incident, and will be reopened after an assessment of its security.