Was a Tranquilizer the Correct Choice for Harambe?

In the tragic incident involving Harambe the gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo, the decision to use a tranquilizer has been widely debated. Critics argue that the tranquilizer could have been a safer option, while others caution that it might have caused more harm. This article explores the pros and cons of using a tranquilizer and the factors involved in the decision-making process.

The Time Factor and Risk

One of the primary concerns with using a tranquilizer was the time it would take to fully take effect. According to veterinarians and zookeepers, a tranquilizer can take up to twenty minutes to fully kick in. This prolonged period posed a significant risk given the unpredictable behaviors of great apes, including Harambe.

Dr. Emily Bethell, a senior lecturer in Primate Behavior from Liverpool John Moores University, shed light on the gorilla's behavior: “He was clearly being protective towards the boy. There were no signs of the gorilla being aggressive in the sense that he wanted to hurt the boy or anything like that.”

The Tranquilizer's Potential Risks

While the tranquilizer would have reduced Harambe's aggressiveness, it could have also agitated him, leading to uncharacteristic behavior. A spokesperson for the zoo explained, “The tranquilizer could have caused Harambe to behave erratically, which could have resulted in him accidentally hurting the child.”

The Nature of Gorilla Behavior

Ape behavior experts assert that even if Harambe's actions were innocent, the force with which he dragged the child could have caused serious harm. Dr. Bethell elaborated, “Even if he wasn't trying to hurt the child, Harambe was still a 440lb (200kg) adult male gorilla. Human children are much more fragile compared to baby gorillas, so even curious behavior could result in serious injury.”

Moreover, gorillas handle their own young with care and experience. When a child is dragged or handled roughly by a gorilla, the risks are heightened due to the disparity in size and fragility between human and gorilla infants.

The Human Dimension

The incident not only impacted Harambe but also the zookeepers, the child, and the parents. The parent was left with an agonizing situation, watching her child being dragged through the water, not knowing if the worst was about to unfold.

It is important to consider the overall context: the parent had three other children to look after, and the unpredictability of young children, who are naturally curious and can move rapidly, amplifies the risk of accidents.

Conclusion

The decision to euthanize Harambe, though heartbreaking, was made with the safety of the child and the public at large as top priorities. While a tranquilizer might have seemed like a potential solution, the complexities of its effectiveness and the risks involved made the decision difficult. Future incidents should be carefully analyzed, and alternative solutions should be considered, but the overarching goal must always be the safety and well-being of all involved.