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mnhtnbb

(33,410 posts)
18. A woman who has worked as a zookeeper with silverback gorillas has a different take on the video
Wed Jun 1, 2016, 05:53 PM
Jun 2016
I keep hearing that the Gorilla was trying to protect the boy. I do not find this to be true. Harambe reaches for the boys hands and arms, but only to position the child better for his own displaying purposes.

Males do very elaborate displays when highly agitated, slamming and dragging things about. Typically they would drag large branches, barrels and heavy weighted balls around to make as much noise as possible. Not in an effort to hurt anyone or anything (usually) but just to intimidate. It was clear to me that he was reacting to the screams coming from the gathering crowd.

Harambe was most likely not going to separate himself from that child without seriously hurting him first (again due to mere size and strength, not malicious intent) Why didn't they use treats? well, they attempted to call them off exhibit (which animals hate), the females in the group came in, but Harambe did not. What better treat for a captive animal than a real live kid!

They didn't use Tranquilizers for a few reasons, A. Harambe would've taken too long to become immobilized, and could have really injured the child in the process as the drugs used may not work quickly enough depending on the stress of the situation and the dose B. Harambe would've have drowned in the moat if immobilized in the water, and possibly fallen on the boy trapping him and drowning him as well.







http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027872137

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0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

I can't understand why Hayduke Bomgarte Jun 2016 #1
Because tranqs aren't instant-acting. kentauros Jun 2016 #2
Then why not read their explanation? jberryhill Jun 2016 #3
That has been explained several times. It takes several minutes for the tranquilizer to take effect Arkansas Granny Jun 2016 #4
I'm sorry Hayduke Bomgarte Jun 2016 #6
What year did this occur? Mendocino Jun 2016 #7
Had to be Hayduke Bomgarte Jun 2016 #15
According to many on DU NobodyHere Jun 2016 #9
Times were different almost a half century ago Hayduke Bomgarte Jun 2016 #16
Because trancs don't take effect instantly, and... Adrahil Jun 2016 #10
No one knows what the gorilla was thinking Ms. Yertle Jun 2016 #5
I suppose dragging the kid through water was some kind of protection measure? NobodyHere Jun 2016 #8
Please understand.... Adrahil Jun 2016 #11
I watched the footage, and it appears to me the boy was in fact in danger. closeupready Jun 2016 #12
It was a tough call. I can't fault the zookeepers from shooting the gorilla. aikoaiko Jun 2016 #13
I won't second guess zoo authorities on this one, but definitely the "parent" hlthe2b Jun 2016 #14
We put these animals in jeopardy every single day for our own amusement. Rex Jun 2016 #17
A woman who has worked as a zookeeper with silverback gorillas has a different take on the video mnhtnbb Jun 2016 #18
Jane Goodall has a different take on the video... ScreamingMeemie Jun 2016 #19
It's not "new footage"--this is the same video that's been available mnhtnbb Jun 2016 #20
You are anthropomorphizing the situation Marrah_G Jun 2016 #21
The issue wasn't that he was mean, it was that he was really strong and powerful gollygee Jun 2016 #22
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