Jane Goodall on Sunday publicly shared her first extensive thoughts on the shooting death of Harambe the gorilla, saying the Cincinnati Zoo had no choice but to kill the massive animal to save a child’s life.
Goodall, one of the world’s foremost experts on primates, issued a lengthy explanation through the Jane Goodall Institute, finally addressing several “complex questions” she received after last month’s tragedy sparked national outrage. Harambe, a 17-year-old western lowland gorilla, was shot dead after officials said he dragged around a 3-year-old boy who fell into its enclosure.
“It was awful for the child, the parents, Harambe, the zoo, the keepers and the public. But when people come into contact with wild animals, life and death decisions sometimes have to be made,” Goodall said, adding that a tranquilizer dart would take too long to take effect.
The scientist and animal rights activist had earlier written an email to the zoo’s director, Thane Maynard, saying she thought Harambe may have been protecting the boy and “putting an arm” around him. Goodall, in the correspondence the Institute published on its website, also extended her sympathies to Maynard at the time.
Goodall on Sunday released a joint question-and-answer formatted response with Azzedine Downes, president and CEO of the International Fund for Animal Welfare. It was delayed because “Harambe himself deserved time for grieving, reflection and careful reasoning,” they said.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Fight to Free Evan Gershkovich
- Meet the 2024 Women of the Year
- John Kerry's Next Move
- The Quiet Work Trees Do for the Planet
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Column: The Internet Made Romantic Betrayal Even More Devastating
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com