Harambe was a captive male Western Lowland gorilla, a critically endangered species in the wild. He was shot and killed after a child climbed into his enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden and fell into the moat. On September 18, 2014, Harambe was transferred to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden to learn adult gorilla behavior and join a new social group. On May 28, 2016, a day after his 17th birthday, Harambe was shot dead after a three-year-old boy entered his enclosure.
The incident was recorded by a bystander and uploaded to YouTube, where the video went viral. Zoo director Thane Maynard stated, “The child was being dragged around... His head was banging on the concrete.” Another expert disputed this claim, saying Harambe was not a danger to the child.
Another tragic event occurred shortly after. Lane’s parents watched one Tuesday night as an alligator grabbed their son in the shallows of a lake and dragged him deeper into the water, officials said. The father, Matt Graves, rushed into the water and desperately tried to save the boy. He cut his hand while attempting to wrestle Lane away from the alligator, but was unable to save his son.
This marked the third tragedy to strike the Orlando area in less than a week. On Friday, 22-year-old Christina Grimmie, a former finalist on NBC’s “The Voice,” was shot and killed by a deranged fan while signing autographs after a concert in the city. Less than 48 hours later, 49 people were massacred, and 53 were wounded inside an Orlando gay nightclub in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Witnesses said the family had been on the beach, and the boy’s four-year-old sister was in a playpen about 20 to 30 yards from the water on the sand, according to officials. Matt Graves wrestled the alligator in an effort to save his son.
I read a provocative comment from some U.S. residents making light of these two incidents, saying, “The Florida alligator is on a revenge mission for Harambe.” Such a statement could only come from a mean mind. It is deeply insensitive to what the Graves family was going through just days after losing their son.
Kids are always kids, curious and unpredictable. But I believe it is the responsibility of zoos and recreational facilities to ensure the safety of their visitors. This includes making sure that exhibits are childproof. Negligent parenting should not be ignored in this discussion either. Nobody prays for such tragedies, but I believe both the Harambe and Graves incidents were preventable.
Parents and guardians must keep a close watch on their children, especially in environments that are both risky and exciting. Safety measures should take into account the unpredictability of small children. Professionalism demands that institutions implement stronger protective systems. Secondary barriers, such as multiple layers of glass and reinforced structures used by several zoos around the world, and better ways of alerting staff immediately, could significantly improve safety.
Thank you for reading this thread. My name is Ayomide Abiona.
Note: This article is written in support of parents who strive to make their children happy through outings, picnics, holidays, tours, and visits to interesting and beautiful places. We cannot, because of incidents like Harambe’s, stop children from experiencing the wonders of nature firsthand. These experiences inspire and educate them.
Lane Graves will be forever remembered. Parents who spend meaningful time with their children are true heroes.
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