Cincinnati Cops Probe Family After Child Falls Into Gorilla Enclosure

Cincinnati police investigators have launched a probe into the family of a toddler who fell into a gorilla zoo enclosure, which led to the animal’s death when officials feared the child could be decimated by the 450-pound primate.

The New York Times reports “the police said Tuesday that they were investigating the actions of the child’s family in connection with the episode.”

Via The Times:

The shooting Saturday by zoo workers of the teenage gorilla, Harambe, prompted a chorus of online criticism, vigils for the animal, complaints by animal rights activists and petitions blaming the boy’s mother. The episode was even raised at a news conference held Tuesday by Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

As video showing the boy and the huge gorilla continued to be played on television and online, officials raised the possibility on Tuesday of criminal charges. Julie Wilson, a spokeswoman with the Hamilton County prosecutor’s office, said the matter had been referred to the Cincinnati Police Department for investigation.

“At this point, everybody is just looking into it to see what’s going on,” she said. “I can’t tell you that anyone will be charged with anything.”

While we mourn the loss of this spectacular animal, do you believe this warrants an investigation into the family? If authorities would like to investigate someone or something, we suggest that they start with zoo officials who failed to keep the animal safe by providing a proper enclosure.

Sound off in the comments.

SOURCE: The New York Times | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty | VIDEO CREDIT: Inform

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Toddler’s Parents Face Backlash After Cincinnati Zoo Gorilla Shooting