Parents Reveal The Condition Of Son Who Fell Into Gorilla Enclosure

The parents of a three-year-old boy who fell into a gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo, leading to the endangered animal's death, said he is "doing well".

Mother Michelle Gregg, who was with Isiah when he crawled into the pit, and father Deonne Dickerson also thanked zoo staff for protecting their son.

"If anyone wishes to make a gift, we recommend a donation to the Cincinnati Zoo in Harambe's name," they said in a statement, adding they have been offered money but won't accept financial gifts.

"Our child has had a check-up by his doctor and is still doing well. We continue to praise God for His grace and mercy, and to be thankful to the Cincinnati Zoo for their actions taken to protect our child."

The gorilla, a 17-year-old silverback named Harambe, was shot by zoo workers after Isiah fell into its enclosure on Saturday. Police are investigating to determine if charges should be filed against Isiah's parents.

Police have also released audio from the Mother's 911 call:

Harambe reportedly lost his mother and brother in a gas accident at a zoo 14 years ago.

A video of Harambe taken about a year before the accident has been shared on social media. It shows Harambe, aged about one, affectionately hugging the keeper as she shows him off to schoolchildren (video above).

"Here is a video clip of Harambe when we went to the Gladys Porter Zoo on a classroom field trip. To this day all of my students have fond memories of Harambe," Dan Van Coppenolle wrote on Facebook.

Read more at nzherald.co.nz