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BY: Brian
Orme
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When human life is called into question…
1. The
Tragedy
On Saturday, May 28, a four-year-old boy climbed a railing,
squeezed through a fence and fell into the mote within the gorilla enclosure at
the Cincinnati Zoo. (Video below.)
2.
Imminent Danger
Once the boy was inside the enclosure, a 450-pound gorilla
named Harambe grabbed him and, at times, violently dragged him around in the
water while the mother yelled to him and bystanders stood in horror of the
situation.
3. The
Decision
Zoo officials responded quickly and took the gorilla down
with a rifle shot. Zoo director Thane Maynard said, “We are heartbroken about
losing Harambe, but a child’s life was in danger and a quick decision had to be
made.” Tranquilizers were not an option in this decision due to the time it
takes for the drugs to take effect in a large animal like Harambe.
4. Cue
Internet Outrage
The people of the Internet responded in anger—blaming the
child’s mother for negligence, the zoo for choosing to kill instead of
tranquilizing and, in disgust, some picketed the zoo to make a statement.
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| View image on Twitter |
Protestors outside
Cincinnati Zoo, demanding action for#Harambe, Gorilla shot
after child fell in enclosure. @WLWT 6:08 PM -
29 May 2016
5.
Bottom Line
Human beings are made in the image of God, above the
animals, and are to be valued in such a way. We are to care for and about all
life, and it’s a sad thing to take down a beautiful animal, but human life will
always hold a higher distinction. These parents are able to hold their son in
their arms today because of the quick action of zoo officials.
As for the Internet’s outrage? Sadly, this is just another
example of society’s lack of regard for the sanctity of life. It’s also a bold
reminder that we need to fight for the value of human life—in all ways
possible. The significance of this event isn’t just about the life of a boy
over the life of a gorilla—it’s about all human life being held in high regard
and protected for its intrinsic value to our Creator.
As Matt Walsh wrote on The Blaze, “While the media obsesses over an ape and
thousands of people cry that they will ”miss” a zoo animal they didn’t even know existed on Friday,
there will be another 125,000 abortions. On a daily
basis, a group of people larger than the population of Provo, Utah, are
systematically exterminated. None of them are given a name, and there will be
no candlelight vigils for any of these victims.”
*Side note: Many people are
criticizing the mom for negligence, but if you have small children, I think you
know it only takes a second for something like this to happen. Please join us
in prayer for the family and for zoo officials.
Brian Orme is a writer and editor from Ohio. He works with
creative and innovative people to discover the top stories, resources and
trends to equip and inspire the Church.
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