Following the killing of an endangered gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo, police said they plan on investigating the family of a 3-year-old boy who slipped into the animal’s enclosure on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the family of the boy has released a new statement on Wednesday to update the boy’s condition.
Eyewitness says the gorilla dragged the 4-year-old like a Raggedy Ann doll https://t.co/dT4LF9ThLj pic.twitter.com/S3GE0zGS48
— People Magazine (@people) May 31, 2016
“Our child has had a checkup by his doctor and is still doing well,” said the family, reported FOX19.
“We continue to praise God for His grace and mercy, and to be thankful to the Cincinnati Zoo for their actions taken to protect our child.”
The family asked that any donations be made to the Cincinnati Zoo in Harambe’s name.
“We are also very appreciative for the expressions of concern and support that have been sent to us,” the family added. “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.”
Cincinnati police investigating parents of boy who fell into gorilla exhibit as public outrage grows onlinehttps://t.co/I5HC4uRtw5
— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) June 1, 2016
The police investigation comes amid heavy online criticism toward the boy’s family and the zoo over death of Harambe, the 17-year-old and 450-pound gorilla.
Harambe was seen dragging the boy across a moat. After about 10 minutes, Cincinnati Zoo officials fatally shot the gorilla. The boy wasn’t seriously injured.
The zoo has done a necropsy on the gorilla, but they haven’t released any details on the results.
“After the review, we will determine if charges need to be brought forward,” police spokeswoman Tiffaney Hardy said, CNN reported.
The family released their first statement on May 30. The boy was released from the Cincinnati Hospital Medical Center on Saturday night, the statement read, and they added he was “doing just fine.”
“We extend our heartfelt thanks for the quick action by the Cincinnati Zoo staff,” the statement read, per NBC. “We know that this was a very difficult decision for them, and that they are grieving the loss of their gorilla.”
And as police in Cincinnati are investigating the child’s parents, federal inspectors are planning their own review. The Cincinnati Zoo says it will look into whether it needs to set up or reinforce new barriers around the enclosure.
“The exhibit is safe, the barrier is safe,” said zoo director Thane Maynard, ABC News reported. He added that federal inspectors and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums frequently check the zoo.