CNN VIDEO: Critics Blame Mom and Cincinnati Zoo In Gorilla’s Death

By  //  May 30, 2016

Gorilla Shot and Killed

ABOVE VIDEO: A 3-year-old boy came face to face with a 400-pound lowland gorilla after falling into an exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo.

(CNN) – Devastated. Heartbroken. In mourning.

Those are some of the words the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden used Sunday in a contrite explanation for the death of Harambe, a 17-year-old western lowland gorilla killed on Saturday to save a boy who slipped into the zoo’s habitat.

The boy was in “imminent danger,” leaving the zoo’s Dangerous Animal Response Team with no option but to shoot the 450-pound gorilla, zoo director Thane Maynard said in a statement on Facebook. Tranquilizers may not have taken effect in time to save the boy while the dart might have agitated the animal, worsening the situation, Maynard said.

“We are heartbroken about losing Harambe, but a child’s life was in danger and a quick decision had to be made,” he said.

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REACTION: 

ABOVE VIDEO: Jeff Corwin, an American animal and nature conservationist, talks about the killing of the Harambe.  Corwin is known as a host and executive producer of the Animal Planet cable channel television programs The Jeff Corwin Experience and Corwin’s Quest.

ABOVE VIDEO: John “Jack” Hanna, an American zookeeper, talks about the decision to shoot and kill the 450-pound gorilla. Hanna who is the Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. He was Director of the zoo from 1973 to 1993, and is viewed as largely responsible for elevating its quality and reputation.

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