They said it would take too long to act, Ruby, and time was of the essence for obvious reasons.

What 'appened to the cane wi' horse's head handle?

why cruel and thoughtless

Because it's America.  They love their guns over there.

K 

why cruel and thoughtless

 

Because it's America.  They love their guns over there.

K 

I doubt a zoo would be allowed to operate without holding firearms, and it has happened in the UK, a rhino was shot at a zoo in Cumbria about 16 years ago

Cruel possibly, but certainly not thoughtless; I imagine a lot of thought went into the decision, both before the event in planning for just this sort of incident and at the time of the incident itself. The report this morning said that although there was no definite indication that the gorilla would necessarily harm the little boy, it was dragging him through the water and there was a possibility of him drowning.

It was a tragic incident; I guess the question now is how to tighten up security so there's less chance of a repeat, but you can never decrease the risk to zero.

Sadly, it was probably the right decision to shoot, the zoo will have carried out risk assessments for such incidents. Poor animal. What kind of thoughtless parent allows a four year old to climb barriers? I note that they could face prosecution, no bad thing if it prevents other fools not supervising children properly. Glad to hear the child is ok.

why cruel and thoughtless

 

Because it's America.  They love their guns over there.

K 

The British Police love their guns to, trigger happy IMO, shoot and ask questions later. I believe that the independant investigating authority is always on their side so they are not bothered because they know the outcome will always be in their favour that's my perception anyway.

Very sad, the poor animal probably didn't intend to harm the little lad but they could not take the chance. They acted very quickly so must have been prepared for a situation. I expect the keepers are very sad after looking after the creature they must become close to it. The stupid parents, they should have been looking after the child and keeping a closer watch. I hope they do prosecute them.

A very unfortunate incident but the way the gorilla was dragging the child round was dangerous and he or she was lucky not to get hurt i dont think they had any alternative but too destroy the animal.

v9

The gorilla was behaving like a gorilla. It didn't seem to me that he intended to harm the stupid child.

The 'decision' to kill would have been made in advance and not based on the actual circumstances.

It was a wrong decision.

I hope that stupid child and his stupid parents live with nightmares for along time, for what they caused.

Idiots!