Stone Zoo President Issues Statement on Death of Gorilla Harambe

• Image credit: Harambe, courtesy of the Cincinnati Zoo

STONEHAM, MA—The shooting death of a silverback gorilla in Cincinnati has taken headlines across the world, and many in the zoology community, as well as others around the world, have commented on the situation.

John Linehan, the president of Zoo New England which oversees Stone Zoo, released a statement regarding the incident at the Cincinnati Zoo. Harambe, the silverback gorilla, was shot dead by a Cincinnati Zoo sharpshooter to protect the 3-year-old boy who had suddenly fallen into his den.

See Also:

• Shot That Killed Gorilla Harambe Heard Around the World
• Killing of Gorilla Harambe: 7 Things Real Great Ape Experts Said
• 5 Gorilla Conservation Groups to Support in Memory of Harambe
• Who’s the Hairy Ape? 5 Surprising Facts About Gorillas
• No Charges Filed Against Mother of Boy Who Fell into Gorilla Exhibit at Cincinnati Zoo

Linehan's statement can be found below.

While we cannot speak to the specifics of the tragic incident at the Cincinnati Zoo, our thoughts are with both the staff that had to make a very difficult decision and the family affected. At Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo, the safety of our visitors and animals is the highest priority and one that we take very seriously. As an institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, we conduct regular drills in coordination with local law enforcement agencies, have emergency plans in place and the staff is trained for a variety of situations including animal escapes, human animal interaction, fires, medical emergencies and extreme weather. We will continue to emphasize safety and security in every current and future endeavor at Zoo New England.

Hamilton County prosecutor, Joseph Deters says no charges will be filed against the mother of the boy who got into the Cincinnati Zoo's gorilla exhibit, which led to the fatal shooting of Harambe.

The death of Harambe has grabbed attentions and headlines the world over, with many voicing strong opinions both for and against the killing of the silverback gorilla.