Whose at fault?

Letter to the Editor:

This is in response to the article in Sunday's June 5 paper titled A Gorilla "Tragedy." I fee [sic] Ms. Charen has the same values as most young people today -- I can't be responsible for anything because it is never my fault! She states that at "every zoo she has visited the visitors are kept safely away from dangerous animals. "Should not a fence, hedge and mote be enough to discourage someone from climbing in? She also states that anyone who believed it was a tragedy to have to kill the gorilla "must have their head screwed on wrong" Really? She goes on to say that anyone who felt this "tragedy" might be the result of poor parenting must not have children and those who do know children can put themselves in dangerous situations. After working with 25 years with delinquent and abused children it is my experience that if they don't mind at home they won't mind in public. She also asks where are the parenting police when people give their children drugs and guns? When these offenses are reported, law enforcement will intervene. Ms. Charen also states that when the Cincinnati police announced that their investigation would center around the parents and not the zoo that this was "completely backwards." Could it not be that in the 17 years Harambe was on this earth and in the zoo and no one even fell in his enclosure that they felt the zoo had provided adaquite [sic] security for him. She continues to state that "Justice" is not something to which animals are entitled. I believe we provide "justice" for animals by prosecuting those who abuse and mistreat them. I agree with Ms. Charen in that we don't know if this woman was a good or bad parent, however, she was seen arguing with the child who seemed determined to go over there. When do we need to argue with a three year old? Why can't we tell him no and if that doesn't work take him by the hand and move on. The tragedy here is that an endangered gorilla who lived 17 years had to be killed maybe because of the thoughtless, negligent actions of one person.

I believe zoo officials did what was necessary. I would never choose an animal over a person but isn't it sad that a choice had to be made?

Mary Gibbs

Poplar Bluff, Mo.