A federal inspection has revealed that the Cincinnati Zoo's barrier around its gorilla exhibit was not in compliance with standards for housing primates when one of its gorillas was shot earlier this year, according to the Associated Press.
In May, a 17-year-old gorilla named Harambe was shot and killed by zoo staff after he grabbed and dragged a 4-year-old boy who fell into the gorilla exhibit through the enclosure.
The report stated that, although the exhibit itself was not up to standards, the zoo’s Dangerous Animal Response Team appropriately followed procedures after they concluded the child was in "life-threatening danger."
The zoo later extended the barrier, and the child has since recovered.
Cincinnati's WKRC-TV reported that the reports could lead to “fines or other disciplinary action” for the zoo.
The zoo's director, Thane Maynard, told WKRC, “We remain committed to visitor and animal safety and will continue to work with the USDA and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure that our exhibits meet or exceed standards.”
