Celebrities have spoken out following the shooting of a gorilla at Cincinnati Zoo at the weekend. On Sunday Harambe, a 17-year-old western lowland gorilla, was killed by staff after a child fell into his enclosure.
Harambe's death has caused mixed reactions from the world, with many blaming the zoo and the four-year-old boy's parents for 'negligence'. Ricky Gervais, Brian May and Piers Morgan are among the big names who have shared their opinions online.
Celebrities have shared their thoughts following Harambe's death
The Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco also shared her thoughts, posting an emotional message on Instagram alongside a snap of Harambe. She wrote: "Once again, another animal being killed over people not using their brains. If you watch the footage, you see this gorgeous animal holding the child's hand. Do with that what you will."
Ricky Gervais is a big supporter of animal rights
Comedian Ricky wrote: "It seems that some gorillas make better parents than some people…" Queen guitarist Brian added: "Why was this gorilla murdered? No trial – no reason. Who will prosecute?"
Robin Williams' daughter made an emotional comment
And Good Morning Britain host Piers said: "RIP Harambe. A magnificent gorilla dies because a zoo failed to make its barriers safe."
Robin Williams' actress daughter Zelda also expressed her sadness. She wrote: "How was the gorilla enclosure not child proof? You're dealing with an endangered species and yet you've made it possible for kids to fall in?
"Anywho, no matter how you cut it, this whole situation blows. The only party that didn't do anything wrong is the gorilla, and it died. Sad."
90210 actor Trevor Donovan, who played Teddy Montgomery in the hit US series, made his thoughts very clear. He tweeted: "'17 yr old Harambe the gorilla was shot dead after boy falls into Ohio zoo enclosure' Where were the parents?!"
An official statement from Cincinnati Zoo read: "The Zoo security team's quick response saved the child's life. We are all devastated that this tragic accident resulted in the death of a critically-endangered gorilla. This is a huge loss for the Zoo family and the gorilla population worldwide."
READ: GIORGIO ARMANI REVEALS PLANS TO GO FUR-FREE IN FUTURE COLLECTIONS
The family of the four-year-old boy thanked Zoo staff for making the decision to shoot the gorilla. "We extend our heartfelt thanks for the quick action by the Cincinnati Zoo staff. We know that this was a very difficult decision for them and that they are grieving the loss of their gorilla," the statement reads.
What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments box below.