[user104658]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

Astonishing new footage shows gorilla 'PROTECTING' boy and holding his hand before being shot dead



http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-n...orilla-8082168

There's a good chance that the gorilla was trying to protect the boy, it certainly sounds like it, however it would take a split second for it to kill him even completely unintentionally... especially in a situation where people are starting to panic and the animal is becoming confused. It's tragic, and maybe they could have gotten him out without incident, but in my opinion, it's simply not worth risking the child's life in that way.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

There's a good chance that the gorilla was trying to protect the boy, it certainly sounds like it, however it would take a split second for it to kill him even completely unintentionally... especially in a situation where people are starting to panic and the animal is becoming confused. It's tragic, and maybe they could have gotten him out without incident, but in my opinion, it's simply not worth risking the child's life in that way.

I dont buy "she only took her eye off him for a second"

It does not take a second to get into a dangerous animal pen - it takes a second to run off to the ice cream van but go under the rail, through wires and over the moat wall?

If it so easy it would happen all the time surely? I would be very interested to see the video footage of the bit prior to him entering..

[user104658]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

I dont buy "she only took her eye off him for a second"

It does not take a second to get into a dangerous animal pen - it takes a second to run off to the ice cream van but go under the rail, through wires and over the moat wall?

If it so easy it would happen all the time surely? I would be very interested to see the video footage of the bit prior to him entering..

I agree and I wouldn't take my eyes off my kids for a second if there was any risk at all of something like that happening (dangerous animals and fences that aren't basically sky-high)... however I have to say, like others, I do find it a bit confusing that you particularly have such an issue with it LT...

Anyway, HOW he got in there doesn't really affect my thinking on whether or not they should have killed the gorilla. No matter whose fault it was (parents or park... it was definitely someone's) it happened, and from that point there was really only one outcome.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

I agree and I wouldn't take my eyes off my kids for a second if there was any risk at all of something like that happening (dangerous animals and fences that aren't basically sky-high)... however I have to say, like others, I do find it a bit confusing that you particularly have such an issue with it LT...

Anyway, HOW he got in there doesn't really affect my thinking on whether or not they should have killed the gorilla. No matter whose fault it was (parents or park... it was definitely someone's) it happened, and from that point there was really only one outcome.

Whilst I get why it was shot I am not 100% comfortable with the notion that a human life is somehow more valuable than that of a gorilla but that is another debate

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

Whilst I get why it was shot I am not 100% comfortable with the notion that a human life is somehow more valuable than that of a gorilla but that is another debate

..and if it was your child's life and you were watching helplessly...would you really be saying..hold back, let's try a tranquiliser, let's take that risk that the gorilla doesn't become agitated and my son is ok...

[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by Ammi

..and if it was your child's life and you were watching helplessly...would you really be saying..hold back, let's try a tranquiliser, let's take that risk that the gorilla doesn't become agitated and my son is ok...

I have not said anything about tranquillisers, holding back or taking a risk I am afraid

And I would have been holding onto my children at all times in that situation so it would not have arisen

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

I have not said anything about tranquillisers, holding back or taking a risk I am afraid

And I would have been holding onto my children at all times in that situation so it would not have arisen

...whether the parents took their eyes off their child or not though and for however many moments..?..that would still have meant no danger at all to Harambe, he would have been safely in his enclosure...except that his enclosure wasn't safe for him because it was able to be breached...that is only and entirely the responsibility and fault of the zoo....regardless of any 'curious children'...

[AnnieK]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

Whilst I get why it was shot I am not 100% comfortable with the notion that a human life is somehow more valuable than that of a gorilla but that is another debate

I agree but the simple matter is gorillas can't sue! There is no way the zoo could possibly risk a lawsuit of that nature so the gorilla became collateral damage sadly. Were it your child though, I'm sure you would feel their life was more valuable, I know I would.

Disclaimer....I am not saying you would take your eye of your child etc etc purely hypothetical