CINCINNATI - Days later, the world is still processing the death of a 450-pound gorilla. A statue outside Gorilla World became a memorial site for 17-year-old Harambe. (See raw video of the incident below)
Zoo officials shot Harambe after a young boy fell into the gorilla's exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo over the weekend. He was released from the hospital, but has not been identified. The family put out a statement that was obtained by USA Today.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks for the quick action by the Cincinnati Zoo staff," the statement read. "We know that this was a very difficult decision for them, and that they are grieving the loss of their gorilla.”
The young boy climbed into the enclosure just before 4 p.m. on Saturday and fell 12 feet into the moat outside the exhibit.
After zoo officials tried multiple times to get Harambe away from the boy, staff members at the zoo shot and killed the gorilla, USA Today reports.
The zoo has said since the incident that their staff will look into this incident and work toward better safety for people visiting the zoo and the animals inside.
The entire raw video of the tragic incident has been posted on YouTube.
It's been shared more than 3 million times.
Watch the video in its entirety below (MOBILE USERS: click here to view).
WARNING: Some viewers may find the footage disturbing.
PHOTOS | Remembering Harambe the gorilla
