Growing up in the Cincinnati area, I have many fond memories of going to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. It’s a wonderful testament to the beauty of the natural world and educates thousands of people every year on respecting the environment we live in and the creatures we share it with.

One of the zoo’s prized exhibits is the lowland gorilla enclosure -- housing several members of the endangered ape. Sadly, there is now one less member of that species. The 17-year-old male, Harambe, was shot to death by zookeepers after a young boy managed to fall into his enclosure. After a harrowing 10 minutes, during which the massive animal, while not appearing very aggressive, dragged the boy around the enclosure’s moat, the zookeepers made the decision to put the primate down with lethal force. Thankfully, due to their quick actions, the child suffered only minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

In the wake of this event, there has been a mixture of reactions from the public. Most have expressed sympathy for the zoo, and relief that the young boy wasn’t seriously harmed. Some have put blame, to varying degrees, with the parents who allowed their child to wander into such a dangerous situation. Then there are those, spotlighted by local and national news, who are condemning the zoo for “murdering” an innocent animal. Allow me to address this latter group.

We are in agreement that it’s awful that Harambe died so senselessly. He was a member of a beautiful and intelligent species that is on the brink of extinction. To see him cut down like that tugs at the heartstrings of any who respect and admire nature. But don’t you think the zookeepers share that sentiment? These are men and women who have devoted their lives to working, day in, and day out, with animals to preserve and learn more about the natural world. Particularly with a species that is so genetically close to us, and has shown the potential for near-human intelligence, the bonds that the keepers form with their animal charges must run even deeper even than the one shared by the average person with their loyal dog. It must have been incredibly hard for them to pull the trigger.

But it had to be done. As much as we can respect and value animals, this is a matter of a human child’s life. The zookeepers, who are the experts in this situation, have stated that a tranquilizer may have taken several minutes to take effect -- may even have agitated Harambe further -- and who knows what could have happened? They made the only decision available to them to protect this young boy.

As to those who cast blame at the parents -- personally, I have mixed feelings on this. Undoubtedly, they should have kept a closer eye on the boy. Clearly, they should have been more careful. But this is a four-year-old boy we’re talking about. I don’t know about you, but I was hell on wheels at that age. If the parents were distracted even for a minute -- easy to do, particularly if you are trying to keep track of several other children in a crowded place -- a curious and determined kid would have ample opportunity to get into trouble. When it comes right down to it, it is the parents’ responsibility, but I hesitate to write them off as terrible caretakers because of this incident.

At the end of the day, this is just a terrible event. We lost a beautiful creature, a member of a species quickly dwindling. The fact that we are able to mourn a gorilla, however, gives me hope that mankind continues to hold some reverence for the natural world. So rest in peace, Harambe. I don’t know if there’s a gorilla Heaven, but I hope you can finally roam free and wild -- as you were born to do.