Gorilla shot dead at Cincinnati Zoo after toddler falls into enclosure

A three-year-old boy has fallen into the gorilla enclosure at Cincinnati Zoo resulting in the shooting dead of a 17-year-old gorilla.

The toddler fell 10 to 12 feet into the enclosure, home to a male western lowland gorilla named Harambe.

Zoo workers initially tried to coax the animal away from the child but when that failed, they shot him dead.

In a statement, Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard said: "It was a tough decision but it was the right one."

Maynard added that the zoo had never experienced this kind of incident before and that safety of the public was their first priority.

Animal rights group PETA have criticised the zoo for killing Harambe and called for an investigation.

From tragic accident to headline news, the story of young Isaiah Dickerson falling into the gorilla enclosure at Cincinnati Zoo and subsequently leading to the death of Harambe has captivated people all over the world. We all want to know what happened and why, as well as what could have been done differently to prevent such a sad event from taking place. While some may claim that PETA is making too much out of this situation simply because they are outraged by the death of an animal, it is important to remember that if investigations reveal negligence on behalf of zoo officials, there should be consequences. It's also worth noting that animals in captivity are subjected to a number of stresses which can lead to unpredictable and dangerous behaviors.

Gorilla exhibit to close at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo

A exhibit of gorillas at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is set to close after more than 30 years.

The zoo announced Tuesday that the exhibit will close Sept. 1 as part of a $10 million renovation project.

Officials say they made the decision after a study found that the current exhibit doesn't meet the needs of the animals or the public.

The new exhibit will be four times as big as the current one and include features such as a climbing structure and a wading pool.

Gorillas have been part of Lincoln Park Zoo since its inception in 1868.

Cincinnati gorilla exhibit to reopen with added barriers

The Cincinnati Zoo is set to reopen its gorilla exhibit next week with added barriers meant to prevent a similar incident from happening again.

One of the zoo's gorillas, Harambe, was fatally shot last year after a four-year-old boy climbed into the enclosure and was dragged by the animal.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the new barriers will include a taller fence and more visibility for zoo visitors.

Zoo director Thane Maynard said at a press conference Wednesday that despite the tragedy, the zoo remains "one of the safest places in the world" for visitors and animals.

Maynard also noted that a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found no violations by the zoo in connection with Harambe's death.

Silverback gorilla killed after 3-year-old falls into zoo enclosure

A silverback gorilla was shot dead by Cincinnati zoo officials after a 3-year-old boy fell into the animal's enclosure on Saturday.

Personnel made the decision to shoot 17-year-old Harambe after attempts to coax him away from the child failed, zoo officials said in a statement. The boy, who has not been identified, was hospitalized with minor injuries.

"The child was not under attack but was at risk of being so," the statement said.

Gorillas are considered generally gentle animals but can be dangerous if provoked. Zoo Director Thane Maynard said the situation could have ended differently if the boy had been hurt by Harambe.

"We are heartbroken about losing Harambe, but this little boy is safe and that is what is important," Maynard said.

Social media users were quick to express outrage over the shooting, with some calling for Maynard's resignation. A Change.org petition seeking "Justice for Harambe" had garnered more than 360,000 signatures by Sunday afternoon.

Gorilla escapes enclosure at London Zoo, is recaptured

A Gorilla has escaped from its enclosure at London Zoo.

The Gorilla, who has not been named, was spotted by visitors on Tuesday morning after it made its way out of the enclosure.

Staff at the zoo reportedly used fire extinguishers to try and contain the animal, before it was recaptured a short time later.

A spokesperson for London Zoo said: "We can confirm that a gorilla has escaped from its enclosure this morning.

"Zoo staff are currently working hard to contain the animal, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."

The incident is the latest in a string of escapes by animals from zoos around the world.

In May of last year, a Zebra wandered out of an enclosure at a zoo in England, while in February of the same year an alligator made its escape from a zoo in Texas.