The internet is buzzing with calls for #JusticeForHarambe. Over the weekend, a gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo was tragically shot after a four-year-old boy managed to slip under the safety barrier and fell into the gorilla enclosure. Harambe, a 17-year-old gorilla, instinctively grabbed the child and pulled him around for about 10 minutes before zoo officials made the difficult decision to intervene.
Zoo director, Tom Richards, explained, “The child was being dragged around. His head was hitting concrete. It was a serious situation.” The child ended up with a concussion, and Richards emphasized the gorilla’s strength, noting that he could crush a coconut with ease. As Harambe began to act restlessly, the team realized they had to act quickly. “We’re heartbroken about losing Harambe,” Richards said in a Facebook update, “but the child’s life was in jeopardy, and our Dangerous Animal Response Team had to act.”
Despite the difficult circumstances, some individuals have chosen to criticize the boy’s mother instead of acknowledging that a child’s safety is paramount. Parents know all too well how quickly little ones can wander off. It’s alarming that the child got into the gorilla’s space, but it happened in an instant. Brittany Johnson, a witness, recounted to The New York Times that the mother was not neglectful; she had three other kids and a baby with her at the time. “It all happened in the blink of an eye,” she remarked.
Nonetheless, the internet exploded with anger. A petition on Change.org demanded that Hamilton County Child Protective Services investigate the parents for what they deemed negligence, claiming, “We believe this negligence may reflect the child’s home situation.” Seriously? A child could potentially be removed from his home for a momentary lapse in supervision at the zoo? This is the epitome of internet overreach.
In addition to the bizarre call for a CPS investigation, many online have suddenly become experts in animal behavior. While it’s undeniable that Harambe was an impressive creature, the fact remains that trained professionals recognized the need to prioritize human life over that of a gorilla. It’s astonishing that this even needs to be stated: a child’s life is more important than that of an animal.
The four-year-old was in an unsafe situation, but thanks to the swift action of the zoo staff, he is still alive today. This incident serves as a reminder that parenting is full of unpredictable moments, and sometimes, things can go wrong in the blink of an eye.
If you’re interested in more about home insemination and related topics, check out our post on intracervical insemination. Additionally, for those exploring fertility treatments, March of Dimes is an excellent resource. And if you’re considering at-home options, Cryobaby’s Insemination Kit offers fantastic insights.
In summary, while the loss of Harambe is tragic, the focus should remain on the fact that a child was saved through necessary action. Parenting is a challenging journey, and moments of distraction can happen to anyone.