Standard News

Hide Advertisement
  • Business
  • Culture
  • News
  • Technology
  • Trending
Site logo
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Cincinnati gorilla killed after boy falls into zoo enclosure

May 29, 2016 | By Reuters
Harambe, a 17-year-old gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo

(Reuters) – A male gorilla in the Cincinnati Zoo was killed by keepers on Saturday after he dragged around a 4-year-old boy who fell into the enclosure, a zoo official said.

The boy crawled through a barrier and fell about 12 feet (3.7-meters) into a moat surrounding the habitat, where Harambe, a 400-pound (181-kg) western lowland gorilla, grabbed him, Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard told reporters.

Advertisement

The boy was with the 17-year-old gorilla for about 10 minutes and the zoo’s dangerous animal response team deemed the situation life-threatening, he said.

“The choice was made to put down, or shoot, Harambe, so he’s gone,” he said.

Two female gorillas were also in the enclosure at the time of the incident. Maynard said the boy, who was not identified, was not seriously injured in the fall. In a statement, the zoo said the boy was alert when taken to a hospital.

Harambe was born at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas, and was moved to the Cincinnati Zoo in 2014. Western lowland gorillas are classified as an endangered species, and Maynard said the zoo had hoped to use Harambe for breeding.

(Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by Paul Simao)

tagreuters.com2016binary_LYNXNPEC4S00I-VIEWIMAGE

← Previous Post Next Post →
Advertisement - Continue reading below
Share  On Facebook

‘Snowden’ director Stone talks NSA, Pokemon GO at Comic Con

Charmian Carr, who played ‘Sound of Music’s Liesl, dies at age 73

More Than 500 Moms and Children From Across U.S. Hold ‘Play-In’ Protest and Lobby on Capitol Hill

Chance to work with Lav Diaz tempted actress back to the screen

Special prosecutor to probe Chicago police conduct in teen’s death

Virginia school board to seek review of transgender ruling

Denver Broncos’ Marshall kneels in protest during national anthem

Islamic State kills U.S. Navy SEAL in northern Iraq

Washington state begins killing wolf pack for preying on livestock

Incredible Ways That Napping Improves Your Overall Health and Well-Being

load more Loading posts...

sidebar

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

sidebar-alt

  • About Us
  • Imprint
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy