Job search
Job Search
Latest news
More news: (showing 1 - 20 of 13727)           
UK only International

Cincinnati Zoo faces social media firestorm over gorilla shooting

By Tom Anstey    31 May 2016
Harambe was shot dead by a special response team after the boy climbed through a barrier at the Gorilla World exhibit before falling 12ft into a shallow moat

Cincinnati Zoo officials have found themselves under immense public pressure following the shooting of an endangered 400lb (181kg) gorilla after a young boy fell into its enclosure.

The gorilla, named Harambe, was shot dead by a special response team after the boy climbed through a barrier at the Gorilla World exhibit before falling 12ft (3.6m) into a shallow moat.

Amateur footage shot by a member of the public appears to show the gorilla being protective of the child, though the animal also dragged him through the shallow moat in a rough manner.

Public response to the shooting has been significant, with a change.org petition calling for “Harambe’s Law” reaching more than 100,000 signatures in just a few days. If such a law was enacted, visitors could have legal charges brought against them should their actions harm an endangered animal such as Harambe. Celebrities have also taken to social media to give their take on the actions of the zoo, with Ricky Gervais, Brian May and Piers Morgan among those voicing their opinion.

The zoo released a statement over the weekend, explaining its actions. The two female gorillas in the exhibit were recalled immediately while Harambe remained in the yard with the child. At that point the decision was made to terminate the gorilla with fears a tranquiliser could result in the boy being harmed if Harambe lashed out.

“The zoo security team’s quick response saved the child’s life. We are all devastated that this tragic accident resulted in the death of a critically-endangered gorilla,” said zoo director Thane Maynard. “This is a huge loss for the zoo family and the gorilla population worldwide.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and little boy.”

Cincinnati Zoo  gorilla  Harambe  Harambe’s Law  zoos  AZA 
Sign up for FREE ezines
Related news

Company profile

Company profile: Active IQ
The UK’s leading Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation for the physical activity sector, we offer over 100 accredited qualifications in a variety of disciplines from Entry-Level to Level 5.
View full profile >
More company profiles

Featured Supplier

Panatta to showcase innovation at major fitness and bodybuilding events in 2024
Panatta will consolidate its global presence throughout 2024 by attending a host of major industry events around the globe.
View full details >
More featured suppliers

Property & Tenders

Location: Loughton, IG10
Company: Knight Frank
Location: Grantham, Leicestershire
Company: Belvoir Castle
Location: Verwood, Dorset
Company: AVISON YOUNG
Location: Hall Place House, Bexley, DA5 1PQ
Company: London Borough of Bexley
Location: 15 Concessions across the nation's forests
Company: Forestry England
More properties & tenders

Diary dates

11-14 Apr 2024
Exhibition Centre , Cologne, Germany
22-24 Apr 2024
Galgorm Resort, York
10-12 May 2024
China Import & Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China
23-24 May 2024
Large Hall of the Chamber of Commerce (Erbprinzenpalais), Wiesbaden, Germany
More diary dates