Watch video: Gorilla killed to save 4-year-old in Ohio zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo's director says zoo security officers killed a 17-year-old gorilla that had grabbed a small boy who fell into the gorilla exhibit moat

Cincinnati: The Cincinnati Zoo’s director says zoo security officers killed a 17-year-old gorilla that had grabbed a small boy who fell into the gorilla exhibit moat.

Courtesy/YouTube

Director Thane Maynard says the 4-year-old boy is expected to recover after being picked up and dragged by the gorilla yesterday for about 10 minutes. He was taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Police had initially reported that the gorilla was tranquilised, but Maynard said the decision was made to shoot to kill to save the boy’s life. He calls the decision a difficult one, but the right one.

A hospital spokesman says he has no information to release. Authorities haven’t released the child’s name. The incident was reported around 4 pm (local time). The area around the gorilla exhibit was closed off after that. 

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!