Boy 'doing well' after US gorilla incident

  • 02/06/2016
Harambe the gorilla was shot and killed after a 3yo boy climbed into his enclosure at Cincinnati Zoo (Reuters)
Harambe the gorilla was shot and killed after a 3yo boy climbed into his enclosure at Cincinnati Zoo (Reuters)

A four-year-old boy who fell into a gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo, prompting the killing of the endangered animal in order to rescue the child, is doing well, his family says.

The family, who haven't been identified by police, said they've been offered money, without specifying what the funds were intended for, but won't accept financial gifts.

"If anyone wishes to make a gift, we recommend a donation to the Cincinnati Zoo in Harambe's name," they said in a statement.

Harambe, a 17-year-old, 200 kilogram silverback, was shot by officials after the boy fell into its enclosure on Saturday (local time).

Police are investigating to determine if charges should be filed against the child's parents.

Witnesses said the boy had wanted to get into the enclosure and climbed over a one metre barrier, falling 4.6 metres into a moat.

Zookeepers shot the gorilla after he violently dragged and tossed the child, officials said.

The boy's mother said on Facebook that he suffered a concussion and scrapes but is otherwise fine.

In a statement on Wednesday, the family said, "Our child has had a checkup by his doctor and is still doing well.

"We continue to praise God for His grace and mercy, and to be thankful to the Cincinnati Zoo for their actions taken to protect our child."

Mounting outrage over Saturday's killing of Harambe sparked criticism of both the zoo and the child's parents. Online petitions at change.org drew more than 650,000 signatures demanding Justice for Harambe.

The death of the gorilla also prompted the animal rights group Stop Animal Exploitation Now to file a negligence complaint on Tuesday against the zoo with the US Department of Agriculture.

The group is seeking the maximum penalty of US$10,000 (NZ$14,713).

Reuters