Staff at the Cincinnati Zoo have come under criticisms after killing a 17-year-old male western lowland gorilla named Harambe to save the life of a 4-year-old boy who fell into the animal's enclosure.

Justice for Haramble

Many netizens are saying that the 17-year-old male gorilla did not deserve to be shot and killed. A visitor recorded the horrifying moments when the four-year-old boy was dragged by Haramble in the enclosure. Observers have said the hulking ape seemed to be protecting the little child as it placed a gentle hand behind his back, NBC News reported.

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Not willing to gamble anything, the staff of Cincinnati Zoo shot the 450-pound gorilla after it dragged the boy away from the screaming crowd. Netizens have pointed out that Harambe was not actually dragging the boy to kill him, but instead was moving the boy away from the screaming tourists.

Lack of Parental Supervision

Netizens are also pointing out that the parents of the boy are to blame for what happened. Many have expressed unhappiness over the fact that an endangered animal had to be put down because of careless parenting. Some netizens have linked this to an incident in a zoo in China about a week ago when two lions were killed after a suicidal man crept into their enclosure.

Many are questioning why tranquilizers were not used in both instances in place of live bullets.

More than 60,000 people have signed a petition, calling for the boy's mother to be held accountable for the death of Harambe.

The 4-year-old boy was taken to a local hospital after the incident. No information has been disclosed about his condition. However, there is no indication that he sustained any fatal injuries.

What's your stand about the whole incident? Hit us with your comments below. Meanwhile, check out the video captured by one of the visitors.

 

TagsCincinnati Bengals, Boy Falls Into Gorilla Enclosure, Gorilla Killed To Rescue Kid, #JusticeForHaramble