Harambe, the gorilla seemed to be protecting the four-year old boy who fell into his cage – minutes before he was unfortunately shot dead.
It is claimed that screams from those watching the situation panicked the animal causing him to drag the child at a quick pace across the pit.
In one tender moment the gorilla even seems to wrap his arms around the little boy.
The boy’s mother Michell Gregg has been attacked on social media and accused of neglect. In a statement she said “As a society we are quick to judge how a parent could take their eyes off their child and if anyone knows me I keep a tight watch on my kids. Accidents happen but I am thankful that the right people were in the right place today.”
The boy suffered a concussion and a few scrapes. No broken bones or any internal injuries.
Animal lovers are outraged after the endangered animal had to be shot dead by zoo staff to protect the child. They question why a  tranquilizer was not used but it seems the latter’s effect would not have been quick enough.
More than 70,000 petitioners have signed up to a campaign on Change.org to call for the parents to be investigated and charged for neglect.
