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I can’t help but be saddened by the death if Harambe, the 17 yr old gorilla who was killed due to a boy who entered his zoo enclosure.
Years ago, I’d be quick to judge the parents. I admit, my immediate response was to judge. But, after a few moments, I realize, this could be any if us.
Clearly, I don’t know all the circumstances surrounding the incident, which is why I shouldn’t judge.
There are reports the boy was insisting he was going into the enclosure, and the mother told him no, but then was distracted by another child when the 4 yr old went around barriers and did, in fact, enter the enclosure.
If this is true, I wonder why mom didn’t grab his hand and keep him close. But, in the moment, would I have believed my 4 yr old if he said something like that? It seems so silly…who would think a child would try that for real?! I don’t know if I would have taken it seriously. Although, I’d likely have told my son the gorilla could hurt or kill him when he said it. That’s just how I would respond.
Does the child have any special needs? This is another thing we don’t know. Also, another reason we shouldn’t be quick to judge.
My middle son looks like any other kid, but is very impulsive. He has some special needs. Would he do something like this? I can’t say with confidence he wouldn’t. I don’t know. I’d like to think not.
We are quick to think we’d notice our kids trying to go under zoo barriers. But, when gorillas are putting on a show, I get pretty caught up watching. Could I miss something in these moments? Honestly, it’s possible.
Yet, I don’t think we can dismiss this completely. I think it’s so tragic a gorilla had to die.
Likely, zoo enclosures will become even more strict to keep people out. This impacts the small family type zoos monetarily far greater than the large zoos.
How did the boy manage to get into the enclosure without ANYONE stopping him.
Surely, someone saw him. As a society, why did nobody grab him or call out immediately if his parents were distracted.
I admit, I’m that stranger who will say something to other people’s kids. Usually. However, I’m getting more and more worried about speaking up since conceal and carry is allowed. I don’t know who has a gun, and who doesn’t have one. I also don’t know who is hot headed and impulsive with a gun on them. I worry I will say something, and the response will be an arguement. “Who do you think you are talking to my child?” Isn’t that what some people would say? Or would it be, “Thank you so much! I was distracted.” The problem is, you don’t know what reaction you will get.
The world has become scary. So scary that nobody stopped a little boy from entering a gorilla enclosure. Surely, in a crowd, someone noticed.
And, the parents will likely sue the zoo. This kills me. Burglary suspects can sue owners of homes if they are injured breaking and entering. What is the world coming to?
I understand why the gorilla was shot. It’s tragic, but I understand it was to protect the child. What I don’t understand is why the child made it into the enclosure in a crowd of people. It takes a village people, act like the village and help. If I am distracted by another child, and my child is in danger, I’d be so grateful for a stranger who stepped in. Let’s be honest, kids can be hard to watch in crowds.
I’d like to judge, and maybe I am. But I also see the other sides.
The boy is ok, but the poor gorilla died because of human negligence. Sad indeed.