This was just a sad situation all around. Anyone who has kids can not honestly say there hasn't been a moment of distraction where a kid got in to something or disappeared for a moment, however, at a place like zoo (or any public place where risk/danger is increased) parents MUST be at their highest alert at all times and focused on the kids. Not being there and knowing all of the details it is difficult to pass blame immediately on the parent as i feel I'm drawing conclusions on speculation.
The zoo is not at fault for the child getting in to the enclosure. They do their best to provide an enjoyable experience for visitors while keeping both guests and animals safe. There is no doubt in my mind that the enclosure was safe. I am interested to know if this mother was distracted by her phone. The number of people I see daily constantly staring at their phones while driving, walking in stores, basically everywhere is appalling. Those things become our world.
As far as killing the gorilla, this was a very difficult call and one that I do not envy the keeper having to make. However, it's clear to me that because that call was made the life of the child was felt to be in serious risk and was placed at a higher value than the gorilla. From the video it looks like Harambe was "claiming" or even protecting the child. I'm not a gorilla expert, but from my understanding if that gorilla felt this new property of his was going to be taken from him, the outcome could be catastrophic and even others could be harmed. All in all a bad situation.
I am curious what the responses would be today if the video showed the gorilla tearing the limbs off the child or striking the child. We are talking about a 450lb gorilla with the strength of probably 5-10 grown men vs. a 40lb 3 year old. I'm quite surprised the pulling him by the leg through the water didn't cause any lasting harm to the boy. We could play the what if game all day, but all in all a SAD situation.
The zoo is not at fault for the child getting in to the enclosure. They do their best to provide an enjoyable experience for visitors while keeping both guests and animals safe. There is no doubt in my mind that the enclosure was safe. I am interested to know if this mother was distracted by her phone. The number of people I see daily constantly staring at their phones while driving, walking in stores, basically everywhere is appalling. Those things become our world.
As far as killing the gorilla, this was a very difficult call and one that I do not envy the keeper having to make. However, it's clear to me that because that call was made the life of the child was felt to be in serious risk and was placed at a higher value than the gorilla. From the video it looks like Harambe was "claiming" or even protecting the child. I'm not a gorilla expert, but from my understanding if that gorilla felt this new property of his was going to be taken from him, the outcome could be catastrophic and even others could be harmed. All in all a bad situation.
I am curious what the responses would be today if the video showed the gorilla tearing the limbs off the child or striking the child. We are talking about a 450lb gorilla with the strength of probably 5-10 grown men vs. a 40lb 3 year old. I'm quite surprised the pulling him by the leg through the water didn't cause any lasting harm to the boy. We could play the what if game all day, but all in all a SAD situation.
We are not made happy by what we acquire but by what we appreciate.
