Harambe Update: Family Of Little Boy Asking For Donations
A recent Harambe update, released by NBC News, indicates the family of the little boy who tumbled into the infamous Cincinnati Zoo moat is now asking for donations. If you find the news shocking, it’s certainly understandable. However, before you rush to conclusions, it may not be what you think.
“It’s terrifying to watch”: Former zookeeper discusses video of gorilla Harambe dragging boy https://t.co/1rNYkXrO0g pic.twitter.com/5VWeU1p4F5
— CNN (@CNN) June 1, 2016
While it’s true the young boy’s family is asking for donations, they don’t want the money for themselves. They’re asking that donations be sent to the zoo in memory of Harambe, the 17-year-old gorilla who died last Saturday. A family member released the following statement.
“Some have offered money to the family, which we do not want and will not accept. If anyone wishes to make a gift, we recommend a donation to the Cincinnati Zoo in Harambe’s name.”
It’s interesting to note that this statement was made only one day after the county prosecutor announced that Cincinnati police started an investigation as to whether or not criminal charges need to be filed. Thousands of people feel the Cincinnati Zoo is at fault. At the same time, thousands more feel as though the 4-year-old’s parents are to blame.
Harambe was a 450-pound lowland gorilla who unwillingly entered the spotlight when a little boy made his way through the barrier of the zoo’s gorilla enclosure and fell into it. The primate was loved by all who visited him and will be sadly missed.
Zoo director Thane Maynard remains comfortable with the choice his facility made to shoot Harambe rather than simply tranquilize him. Why? A tranquilizer dart could have taken up to 30 minutes to take effect. With the young visitor’s life at stake, rescuers didn’t want to take any chances. Maynard had this, in part, to say about that.
“The tranquilizer possibly could have worked, but the key term there is ‘possibly.’ And if you were to fire a dart at an animal, he could react violently to the first opportunity that presents itself, and that would have been that small child.”
According to Time, it didn’t take long for animal rights activists to create a petition on Change.org. At the time of this writing, the petition has more than 450,000 signatures. It requests that Child Protective Services, the Cincinnati Zoo, and the Cincinnati Police Department place the blame of Harambe’s death on the little boy’s parents.
The petition states that all of the undersigned believe that this particular little boy would not have fallen into the moat if he had received proper parental supervision. It goes on to say that the zoo should not be responsible for any of the little boy’s injuries or possible trauma that may crop up in the future.
We will miss you Harambe ?? pic.twitter.com/QoYIJ6oWF5
— Kathy Newton (@KathyNewtonej3) May 29, 2016
On a positive note, the little boy is doing fine. A public relations firm, representing the family, verified the fact. The same firm also relayed their client’s condolences over the death of Harambe and extreme gratitude for saving the life of their loved one.
What do you think about the family of this little boy asking for donations in Harambe’s name? Do you feel like it’s a kind gesture or just a means to divert attention away from them? Feel free to leave your comments about Harambe, the majestic gorilla, and the little boy’s family below.
[Photo by John Minchillo/AP Images]
