Blank Park Zoo In Des Moines Re-examining Security After Death Of Gorilla At Cincinnati Zoo

Officials with Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines took a look at security issues at the zoo following the death of Harambe the gorilla in Cincinnati. The endangered gorilla was shot and killed after a 3-year-old boy fell into the ape exhibit. Zoo officials felt the boy's life was in danger and decided to use deadly force against the gorilla.

Blank Park officials did a walk-through of the facility yesterday to look at possible security issues. Kevin Drees, director of animal care and conservation at Blank Park, said that given what they know about the Cincinnati case, Des Moines zoo officials would have probably acted the same way. He added that Blank Park has never experienced a security issue like the one in Cincinnati before.

The most dangerous exhibit at Blank Park is the big cat exhibit that features lions, tigers, and snow leopards. Dress said that the zoo has a 'shoot team' that trains with the Des Moines police in case tranquilizers or live rounds are needed to subdue an animal. So far they have not been needed.

Blank Park in Des Moines does not have gorillas, however, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha does. The zoo made headlines in 2015 after a large silverback gorilla charged the glass and cracked it. The zoo has since replaced the cracked pane.

[via DM Register]