The World's Most Famous Primate Expert Weighs In on Harambe's Death

The 17-year-old gorilla was killed after a 4-year-old fell into his enclosure.

Jane Goodall, Harambe
Facebook/Cincinnati Zoo

This past weekend, a 17-year-old gorilla named Harambe was killed after a 4-year-old boy fell into his enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo. Harambe apparently began "violently dragging and throwing the child," who is now in good condition after suffering mild injuries. But animal lovers around the world are expressing outrage over Harambe's killing, and are calling out the boy's parents for taking their eyes off their son. (Police are now investigating the family.)

Now, the world's most famous primate expert is speaking out about the issue, expressing empathy to zoo officials for the tough decision but saying Harambe may not have had violent intentions. The Jane Goodall Institute released an email Goodall sent to Thane Maynard, the director of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Here's the full text: 

Dear Thane, I feel so sorry for you, having to try to defend something which you may well disapprove of. I tried to see exactly what was happening — it looked as though the gorilla was putting an arm [around] the child like the female who rescued and returned the child from the Chicago exhibit. Anyway, whatever, it is a devastating loss to the zoo, and to the gorillas. How did the others react? Are they allowed to see, and express grief, which seems to be so important? Feeling for you, Jane

According to People, Goodall is referring to Binti Jua, a gorilla who picked up a boy that fell into the exhibit, cradled him in her arms, and carried him to zookeepers at the door. 

The boy's family has released a new statement, urging anyone who wants to help to donate to the zoo on Harambe's behalf.

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