Barrier Of Gorilla Harambe's Enclosure Didn't Meet U.S. Standards: Report

The barrier that separated the gorilla Harambe's enclosure from Cincinnati Zoo guests was not in compliance with U.S. standards, according to a report released Thursday.

The report added that proper protocol was followed when a child fell into the enclosure in May, resulting in the shooting death of Harambe after he dragged the child through the enclosure's moat. The animal's killing drew widespread media attention over the summer.

The report, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was published on June 6 and made public Thursday. It describes the barriers between zoo guests and the gorilla enclosure and how the zoo has since fixed them.

Previous coverage:

• Gorilla Shot Dead After Grabbing Child That Fell in Zoo Enclosure
• Killing of Gorilla at Cincinnati Zoo Justified, Officials Say
• No Charges Filed Against Mother of Boy Who Fell into Gorilla Exhibit at Cincinnati Zoo
• Killing of Gorilla Harambe: 7 Things Real Great Ape Experts Said
• Shot That Killed Gorilla Harambe Heard Around the World

At the time the child fell in, the enclosure was blocked by a handrail 32 inches off the ground with two wire cables between the rail and the ground, said the report, which added that the drop-off into the moat was 15 feet down.

On May 28, a 3-year-old boy climbed through the barrier and fell into the moat. Zoo workers were able to coral the two females in the exhibit, but not Harambe.

The male gorilla grabbed the child and dragged him through the enclosure.

A member of the zoo's Dangerous Animal Response Team "determined the child’s life to be in imminent, life threatening danger" and killed the gorilla with a single shot.

"All standard operating procedures relating to the Dangerous Animal Response Team were properly followed," the report said.

Video of the incident has been viewed more than 12 million times. You can watch it below, but some viewers may find it disturbing.

The zoo has since replaced the barrier with 42-inch-tall nylon mesh. It also added three surveillance cameras.

Exhibits that contain non-human primates are required to have "a barrier between the primary enclosure and the public in order to restrict physical contact between the public and the nonhuman primates."

The family of the child released the following statement Thursday:

"These findings do not change anything for us. We are thankful to the Lord that our child is safe and well. It was a tragic accident. We very much appreciate the quick actions by the Cincinnati Zoo staff, and mourn with them the loss of Harambe."

Read the full report below:

Image via Cincinnati Zoo