Gorilla Shot Dead In Cincinnati Zoo Was 'Right Decision' As 'Justice For Harambe' Petition Gathers Pace

'Looking back, we would make the same decision to shoot the gorilla.'
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The zoo behind the shooting dead of a critically-endangered gorilla after a child fell into its enclosure has defended its decision.

Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio, USA, said it was the correct course of action to take as the four-year-old's life was in danger.

The zoo's director, Thane Maynard, said: "Looking back, we would make the same decision to shoot the gorilla.

Thane Maynard, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, speaks to reporters two days after a boy tumbled into a moat and officials were forced to kill Harambe, a Western lowland gorilla, in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. May 30, 2016.
Thane Maynard, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, speaks to reporters two days after a boy tumbled into a moat and officials were forced to kill Harambe, a Western lowland gorilla, in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. May 30, 2016.
William Philpott / Reuters

"The gorilla was clearly agitated. The gorilla was clearly disoriented."

The incident, which happened on Saturday, sparked worldwide anger and a petition to hold the parent's of the child responsible for the death of the 17-year-old gorilla was launched.

A woman claiming to be the mother, Michelle Gregg, defended herself on social media.

Harambe, a 17-year-old gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo is pictured in this undated handout photo provided by Cincinnati Zoo.
Harambe, a 17-year-old gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo is pictured in this undated handout photo provided by Cincinnati Zoo.
Handout . / Reuters

She said: “As a society we are quick to judge how a parent could take their eyes off of their child. If anyone knows me, I keep a tight watch on my kids.

“Accidents happen but I am thankful that the right people were in the right place today.

“What started off as a wonderful day turned into a scary one. God protected my child.”

The child, thought to be called Isaiah, suffered concussion and “a few scrapes”.

The petition was launched around 5pm Sunday. A Facebook page, Justice for Harambe, was also started and has over 100,000 Likes.

A Facebook page called Justice for Harambe has been started.
A Facebook page called Justice for Harambe has been started.
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The petition detailed what led to the shooting, before laying the blame on the child’s parents.

It reads: “This beautiful gorilla lost his life because the boy’s parents did not keep their eye on him.

Eula Ray, of Hamilton, whose son is a curator for the zoo, touches a sympathy card beside a gorilla statue outside the Gorilla World exhibit.
Eula Ray, of Hamilton, whose son is a curator for the zoo, touches a sympathy card beside a gorilla statue outside the Gorilla World exhibit.
AP Photo/John Minchillo

"If they would of he would have not been able to get inside the enclosure. These parents should be held accountable for their actions of not supervising their child.

"Please sign this petition to encourage the Cincinnati Zoo and police department hold them responsible.”

But seriously a gorilla got killed because of a stupid child and his moron parents and #Harambe was trying to protect the child #RIPHarambe

— Julian Olmos (@julesismahname_) May 29, 2016

How dare anyone defend the murdering of this innocent animal. It’s already out of its own habitat,” Jodi Nadeau wrote on the Justice for Harambe Facebook page in a comment echoed by dozens of other animal lovers.

She continued: “The parents are wrong for not watching the child. And I’m upset about the innocent murdering of the animal. The parents should be charged with neglect and animal cruelty.”

Animal forced in captivity for entertainment of humans. Human wrongfully enters animal's protected space. Animal killed. SMFH. #RipHarambe

— Devi Brown (@DeviBrown) May 29, 2016

Patrish Dehler wrote: “I’m angry too. What a waste to kill this beautiful creature. How about the parents or ‘watchers’ of this kid get a big fine to be paid to the zoo. If you can’t control your kids then how about not having any!”

Rip to such a magnificent animal. Killed because of human negligence! #ripharambe #justiceforharambe pic.twitter.com/SZKO4ErwRB

— Pikls_girl (@pikls_girl) May 30, 2016
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