In Gorilla's Death, Critics Blame Mother, Cincinnati Zoo

[magical thyme]

81. I can imagine having a 4 year old. What I cannot imagine

is even *thinking* of attempting to control 4 little kids at once by myself in a public place. Especially with one of them a baby in my arms. Which is apparently what she was doing at the time. A baby not in a stroller, but in her arms, with 3 more little kids ambulatory and on the loose.

She had no control over any of them except the baby in her arms, and by going to the zoo with 4 little kids in her sole charge, she clearly made no serious attempt up front to ensure they'd be under control at all times.

Sorry, but she was begging for trouble.

I once ran in front of an oncoming car to save a tiny escaped runner from being run over. I had great empathy for that mother, even though her arms were full of shopping bags, but frankly if she knew her toddler was a runner, she should have had her leashed. Strangers should not have to risk their lives because of over-indulgent or unthinking parents who confuse their special little snowflakes with angels.