Pamela Anderson, the former “Baywatch” star and PETA activist, responded to the shooting death of a 17-year-old gorilla after a 3-year-old child fell into its habitat at the Cincinnati Zoo.
On her website, she wrote on Wednesday:
“RIP Harumbe...
(Reminiscent of Ishmael)
It is a true blessing and miracle that the little boy who climbed into the Gorilla pit, is ok.
Another wake up call.
It’s time to make a change.”
She added (sic) that “confinement and breeding of wild animals for zoos (to make money) is old fashioned and wrong.”
“It puts people and animals at risk. I’m hoping virtual zoos will be a thing of the future,” Anderson added. “To see animals in their natural habitats using 360 cameras is more rewarding and educational. Nothing normal happens in captivity.#endcaptivity. All animals should retire to sancturaries world wide.”
New footage of Harambe holding hands with the child as witnesses say he was being PROTECTIVE https://t.co/zA834a8ypv pic.twitter.com/Nks5AlY9Kl
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) May 30, 2016
She continued: “If you feel the same- Please ban all zoos and aquariums. Make your voices heard. This is a good time to stand up for the voiceless. It doesn’t cost anything to go outside and respecfully take in the beauty of your local wildlife - if it’s the beach, the countryside or the city. All animals are beautiful, interesting and important to the survival of all species.”
Anderson, who has campaigned for veganism, has spoken against seal hunting in Canada, KFC, whaling, and more. She is an active member of PETA, or the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Meanwhile, the family of the child who fell into the enclosure released a statement on Wednesday.
“Our child has had a checkup by his doctor and is still doing well. 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 said in a statement to reporters.
The family hasn’t given any interviews to media outlets in the wake of the gorilla’s death.
“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,” the family added.
Other celebrities, including Kaley Cuoco and Ricky Gervais, have spoken out against the gorilla’s death.
