Cincinnati Zoo forced to kill gorilla when 4-year-old falls into enclosure

A critically endangered gorilla was shot and killed after a young boy climbed into its enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Zoo officials say the 4-year-old boy got through a barrier that fell about 10 feet down into a moat.

The 400-pound male gorilla, named Harambe, then picked him up and dragged him around the enclosure for 10 minutes.

"We saw a little boy's face and when he saw his face, instantly his face took off running, so we knew he was being dragged by the gorilla," a witness said, "and the little boy started screaming."

The zoo's Dangerous Animal Response Team decided trying to tranquilize the gorilla left the boy in too much danger so they said they were forced to kill the gorilla.

"The threat from the gorilla was neutralized by a Cincinnati Zoo employee with one shot from a long rifle," the zoo said in a statement.

“The Zoo security team’s quick response saved the child’s life.  We are all devastated that this tragic accident resulted in the death of a critically-endangered gorilla,” said Zoo Director Thane Maynard.  “This is a huge loss for the Zoo family and the gorilla population worldwide.”

Police say the boy was hospitalized but is expected to recover.

The zoo said Gorilla World will be closed until further notice.

Cox Media Group