R.I.P.

Feds: Harambe’s Zoo Gate Wasn’t in Compliance

Cincinnati Zoo failed to meet animal-keeping standards.

The Cincinnai Zoo barrier separating the public from the gorillas was not in compliance with primate-housing standards on the day a 3-year-old boy slipped into the exhibit earlier this year, a federal inspection concluded. According to the report, viewed by The Associated Press, zoo personnel acted properly in responding to the boy’s fall into the gorilla housing, and in determining the child was in “life-threatening danger,” they were justified in shooting and killing the 17-year-old gorilla named Harambe. The zoo also worked to improve the barrier following the gorilla’s death, the federal investigation noted. According to a U.S. Agriculture Department spokesperson, an investigation into the incident is ongoing—with possible fines or disciplinary action.