A prosecutor in Ohio will announce Monday whether charges will be filed against the family of a 3-year-old boy who fell into a gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo.
A zoo employee shot and killed the gorilla after it was seen dragging the child around for about 10 minutes. Officials at the zoo said it was the best option to prevent the boy from further harm or perhaps even death.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters is slated to hold a press conference on the incident at around 1 p.m. local time, his office said in a statement.
The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that police won’t recommend criminal charges against the parents. Police then handed their findings over to Deters’ office, and he agreed. “I will read everything and decide what we’re doing,” Deters said.
On Thursday, the Cincinnati Zoo revealed a new, taller wall around the gorilla enclosure.
And family spokesperson Gail Meyers said there are no plans to pursue a lawsuit against the Cincinnati Zoo, the Enquirer reported.
Meanwhile, 911 calls have been released.
“Hurry,” a woman can be heard telling a dispatcher. “The gorillas are out. My God.”
The family’s also released a statement, which said: “We are thankful to the Cincinnati Zoo for their actions taken to protect our child. We are also very appreciative for the expressions of concern and support that have been sent to us. 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.”
