Opinions on Gorilla killed at Cinn. Zoo

[CJ2008]

I definitely agree that the boy is the *other* innocent in all this.

I like animals better than people so my heart feels much much more for the gorilla - and part of me feels a sense of annoyance towards the kid for being an idiot and getting away from the parents. But that's just me being me. I do realize that the boy has no real fault in this. It's the parents. And the zoo. And if he's a nice boy I do hope he's not too traumatized by this event and that even if he seems OK his parents take him to a therapist to make sure he really is OK.

 

[junebug17]

@junebug, I think many, myself included, think that the zoo did the most responsible thing they COULD do, given what happened.

IMO both sides bear responsibility in this chain, but I'm personally in favor of letting the dust settle a bit. Who's fault is it that set this in motion? I honestly don't know, its why I'm willing to wait.

What may be important to you (general you), may not be so important to someone else. It doesn't make them "high", it just means they have a different set of priorities.

Are we really right to kill an endangered species in favor of one that isn't? Or do we "save our own"? For some thats like asking if we should allow women to abort or not. Because for some at the time of that abortion, the thing that grows within a woman's body is a life. In that instance do we save our own? Or do we rely on someone else to make that decision?

Where does the line get drawn at "life" and who is the ultimate arbitrator to make the decision of which life is more important than the other? That question has been asked and answered with some (interesting to me) answers.

IMO this is hot button topic but maybe too hot for this board.

I don't see the correlation to abortion and I'm not going to be drawn into a discussion about it. We're talking about a specific incident here concerning a 4 year old boy and I am not going to engage in any philosophical discussions - I am addressing those people who seem to be advocating that the child should have been left there to die a slow and agonizing death and the callous way that view was expressed.

I understand people have issues with zoos, circuses, and how animals are treated. I care about animals as well. But I feel some are saying one little boy has to pay the ultimate price for those injustices.

Yes, I suppose you could say we all have different priorities and I think I'm just going to leave it at that. I stated my opinion, others are entitled to theirs, I recognize that. I will end by saying that I truly am sorry for the loss of Harambe and I wish very stongly that this terrible tragedy never happened.

 

[siv1]

I have been reading this thread for the last few days and am shocked by some of the responses.

As far as blaming the mother for not watching the child. How many of you have your eyes on your child constantly? Its impossible to keep eyes on one child constantly. You would never be able to do anything. If your child is with you and you talk to someone else and look at that person, your eyes are off that child.... even if it's just a second. So if you say you NEVER take your eyes off your child....BS.

As far as the gorilla being innocent, he wasn't. If the gorilla had stayed away from the child and the keepers could have rescued the boy, this never would have happened. The gorilla lost being innocent the minute he touched the boy.

As far as human rights vs animal rights. I believe in God and believe he gave us our minds and abilities as well as giving the minds and abilities to the animals. The gorilla has us beat in strength hands down. We have the gorilla beat by our ability to defend ourselves against his strength. Yes, I believe humans are superior to animals.

Have any of you been to the Cincinnati zoo? I went a few years ago with my DIL and grandson. Growing up, zoos had cages. Cincy has exhibits that are supposed to be comparable to their natural habitats. I felt nervous at the lion exhibit watching a huge male lion watch my 3 year old grandson. Granted... the moat around the exhibit was wide enough that it couldn't jump that far, but still an uneasy feeling.

It's sad.

 

[stracci2000]

I am certainly not saying that the boy should have been left in there to be eaten by the horrible gorilla monster.
I am saying that the gorilla is an endangered species, and the boy is not.
It was a flip comment. Sorry(again) for offending some of you. Sometimes, as I get older, I say what I think, and forget that some people may take offense.

 

[AGBF]

It's either time for someone to bring up Hitler or time to serve lemon pie. I never saw a sillier thread. This is nonsense. I am not saying I haven't lost my own mind on Pricescope, because I have, but those of you posting now about who should die had better step back from your keyboards until you can get a grip. Sometimes Karl has to e-mail me this message.

Deb

 

[junebug17]

I am certainly not saying that the boy should have been left in there to be eaten by the horrible gorilla monster.
I am saying that the gorilla is an endangered species, and the boy is not.
It was a flip comment. Sorry(again) for offending some of you. Sometimes, as I get older, I say what I think, and forget that some people may take offense.

I feel you've twisted my words around - where did I call Harambe a horrible monster? I acknowledge he was behaving normally but could have caused grave injury nonetheless, he wasn't at fault either which just adds to the a tragedy. We're dealing with the written word here, I took your comments at face value, sorry I didn't get that you were being flip. Still not sure what point you're trying to make but ok.

Deb, yes, as you pointed out everyone has their moments on PS where they become upset about statements made by others. As a long time PS member I think I have earned the right to do that every so often. Others have certainly invoked that right from time to time. I reacted to a few things that were said on this thread. I am not the first to do that and I won't be the last. I let my emotions get the best of me and for that I apologize. I will bow out now.

 

[lovedogs]

This is the account doing the rounds on facebook posted by Deidre Lykins. I have no idea if it is accurate but she claims to have witnessed the whole thing her account......

Deidre Kykin's FB post;
"My family and I decided to go to the zoo yesterday after visiting my neice at Cincinnati Childrens hospital. For those of you that have already heard, there was a terrible accident there yesterday. And since every news media has covered this story, I don't feel bad telling our side. This was an accident! ! A terrible accident, but just that! My husband's voice is the voice talking to the child in one of the videos. I was taking a pic of the female gorilla, when my eldest son yells, "what is he doing? " I looked down, and to my surprise, there was a small child that had apparently, literally "flopped" over the railing, where there was then about 3 feet of ground that the child quickly crawled through! ! I assumed the woman next to me was the mother, getting ready to grab him until she says, "Whose kid is this? " None of us actually thought he'd go over the nearly 15 foot drop, but he was crawling so fast through the bushes before myself or husband could grab him, he went over! The crowed got a little frantic and the mother was calling for her son. Actually, just prior to him going over, but she couldn't see him crawling through the bushes! She said "He was right here! I took a pic and his hand was in my back pocket and then gone!" As she could find him nowhere, she lookes to my husband (already over the railing talking to the child) and asks, "Sir, is he wearing green shorts? " My husband reluctantly had to tell her yes, when she then nearly had a break down! They are both wanting to go over into the 15 foot drop, when I forbade my husband to do so, and attempted to calm the mother by calling 911 and assure her help was on the way. Neither my husband or the mother would have made that jump without breaking something! I wasn't leaving with my boys, because I didn't trust my husband not to jump in and the gorilla did just seem to be protective of the child. It wasn't until the gorilla became agitated because of the nosey, dramatic, helpless crowd; that the gorilla violently ran with the child! And it was very violent; although I think the gorilla was still trying to protect, we're taking a 400 lb gorilla throwing a 40 lb toddler around! It was horrific! The zoo responded very quickly, clearing the area and attempting to save both the child and the gorilla! The right choice was made. Thank God the child survived with non-life threatening, but serious injuries! This was an open exhibit! Which means the only thing separating you from the gorillas, is a 15 ish foot drop and a moat and some bushes! ! This mother was not negligent and the zoo did an awesome job handling the situation! Especially since that had never happened before! ! Thankful for the zoo and their attempts and my thoughts and prayers goes out to this boy, his mother and his family."

I get chills just reading this account. That poor mother! [emoji17] Honestly, it could happen to any parent... no one can watch a child 100% of the time. Anyone who says they could and should is kidding themselves.

Exactly this! I am getting very frustrated with all of the hatred this mom has coming her way. This was a horrible ACCIDENT, but an accident none-the-less. If anyone thinks they "know 100% this could never happen" to them then they are kidding themselves. Of course I think it's tragic that the gorilla was killed, I think the entire situation is tragic. But at the end of the day, the people at the zoo did what they had to do given the situation they were in. Tranquilizers would have taken too long to work, and could have caused the gorilla to fall on the child and kill him accidentally. Animals are NOT human, so saying "it looks like the gorilla was protecting him" is meaningless unless one is an expert on gorilla behavior.

These men (Jack Hanna and Jeff Corwin) are experts, and even they agree that the zoo did the correct thing given the situation they were in. I agree the zoo was in a no-win situation, but did the only thing they feasibly could. And as the article points out: who knows a parent who has never lost track of their child for a second?? It happens, it's tragic, but let's stop the blame-game. It helps no one.

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Animal-Experts-Jack-Hanna-Jeff-Corwin-Back/2016/05/31/id/731506/

 

[AGBF]

Deb, yes, as you pointed out everyone has their moments on PS where they become upset about statements made by others. As a long time PS member I think I have earned the right to do that every so often. Others have certainly invoked that right from time to time. I reacted to a few things that were said on this thread. I am not the first to do that and I won't be the last. I let my emotions get the best of me and for that I apologize. I will bow out now.

Indeed you have earned the right to become upset, junebug. You have been here forever and you never cause trouble. I am far more prone to rabble rousing than you because I start political threads. It was the thread that had gone off track, not your postings (in my opinion, of course). The talk of who should die started many postings back.

Pie anyone?

Deb

 

[Matata]

I posted this earlier in the thread but it may have gotten lost in the shuffle. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bron-taylor/the-value-of-a-gorilla_b_10214928.html

Since someone had to go and bring god into the commentary, the article becomes more appropriate to the discussion. Human life is not the most important on earth. We are simply the species most able to cause the most damaging change to the planet. All other species' life cycles serve to maintain a globally balanced ecosystem that sustains all life. Homo Sapiens is the antithesis.

I commend Chrono for asking a question that is difficult to answer. We tend to run away from that question because we generally lack the courage to make difficult decisions regarding life and death. We still have a bit of time left to grapple with the question and come up with answers. In future, the choice may not be ours to make.

 

[Ellen]

This thread doesn't surprise me/shock me one bit. I got exactly what I expected when I opened it up.

Now that's sad.

 

[junebug17]

Deb, yes, as you pointed out everyone has their moments on PS where they become upset about statements made by others. As a long time PS member I think I have earned the right to do that every so often. Others have certainly invoked that right from time to time. I reacted to a few things that were said on this thread. I am not the first to do that and I won't be the last. I let my emotions get the best of me and for that I apologize. I will bow out now.

Indeed you have earned the right to become upset, junebug. You have been here forever and you never cause trouble. I am far more prone to rabble rousing than you because I start political threads. It was the thread that had gone off track, not your postings (in my opinion, of course). The talk of who should die started many postings back.

Pie anyone?

Deb

Thanks for understanding Deb.

 

[Tuckins1]

I feel that there should be no zoos at all. Animals should be in their natural habitat, with lots of wildlife preserves and conservation efforts. That being said, I do enjoy seeing the animals, and it is sad that this happened. Regardless of whose "fault" it was that the child got into the enclosure, the child was in great danger. From what we know about male primates, this child was VERY fortunate that he wasn't killed or horribly injured. I never feel its fair to kill an animal for being an animal, but if were my kid... even if it was TOTALLY my fault that he fell into the enclosure, I would want my child to be protected. The alternative would have been to allow the child to suffer because of the failings of adults. Its tragic all around.

 

[sonnyjane]

This thread doesn't surprise me/shock me one bit. I got exactly what I expected when I opened it up.

Now that's sad.

"Superior" species indeed...

 

[WeeOui]

One of my favorite nonfiction children's books is 101 Questions and Answers about Dangerous Animals by Seymour Simon. On the very last page, there is a shiny silver paper that reflects the reader's face, illustrating which animal on this planet is actually the most dangerous and destructive of all.

I absolutely value the gorilla's life more than the child's, and I have no problem stating it. The gorilla's death makes me feel a lot sadder than I would feel if the child had died. As a general rule, I have more empathy for other animals than I do for the human species.

 

[msop04]

One of my favorite nonfiction children's books is 101 Questions and Answers about Dangerous Animals by Seymour Simon. On the very last page, there is a shiny silver paper that reflects the reader's face, illustrating which animal on this planet is actually the most dangerous and destructive of all.

I absolutely value the gorilla's life more than the child's, and I have no problem stating it. The gorilla's death makes me feel a lot sadder than I would feel if the child had died. As a general rule, I have more empathy for other animals than I do for the human species.

This is so sad. I hope no human (young or old) ever has to be in your care. [emoji17]

 

[monarch64]

I posted this earlier in the thread but it may have gotten lost in the shuffle. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bron-taylor/the-value-of-a-gorilla_b_10214928.html

Since someone had to go and bring god into the commentary, the article becomes more appropriate to the discussion. Human life is not the most important on earth. We are simply the species most able to cause the most damaging change to the planet. All other species' life cycles serve to maintain a globally balanced ecosystem that sustains all life. Homo Sapiens is the antithesis.

I commend Chrono for asking a question that is difficult to answer. We tend to run away from that question because we generally lack the courage to make difficult decisions regarding life and death. We still have a bit of time left to grapple with the question and come up with answers. In future, the choice may not be ours to make.

I read it. It's a really good piece. Guess what humans? Just because you've been doing things the same way for a couple thousand years doesn't mean it's the right way.

 

[Matata]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBHW3zlkY44

 

[WeeOui]

One of my favorite nonfiction children's books is 101 Questions and Answers about Dangerous Animals by Seymour Simon. On the very last page, there is a shiny silver paper that reflects the reader's face, illustrating which animal on this planet is actually the most dangerous and destructive of all.

I absolutely value the gorilla's life more than the child's, and I have no problem stating it. The gorilla's death makes me feel a lot sadder than I would feel if the child had died. As a general rule, I have more empathy for other animals than I do for the human species.

This is so sad. I hope no human (young or old) ever has to be in your care. [emoji17]

I'm a reading specialist at elementary and middle schools.

 

[msop04]

One of my favorite nonfiction children's books is 101 Questions and Answers about Dangerous Animals by Seymour Simon. On the very last page, there is a shiny silver paper that reflects the reader's face, illustrating which animal on this planet is actually the most dangerous and destructive of all.

I absolutely value the gorilla's life more than the child's, and I have no problem stating it. The gorilla's death makes me feel a lot sadder than I would feel if the child had died. As a general rule, I have more empathy for other animals than I do for the human species.

This is so sad. I hope no human (young or old) ever has to be in your care. [emoji17]

I'm a reading specialist at elementary and middle school.

Damn... [emoji15]

Would you stand back and watch as a stray dog or other animal mauled a helpless child?

Do you feel you'd still have a job if the parents of your students and/or the school board saw this forum or knew you felt this way?

If I'm being honest, I feel you'd be viewed as a huge liability, at best.

 

[monarch64]

One of my favorite nonfiction children's books is 101 Questions and Answers about Dangerous Animals by Seymour Simon. On the very last page, there is a shiny silver paper that reflects the reader's face, illustrating which animal on this planet is actually the most dangerous and destructive of all.

I absolutely value the gorilla's life more than the child's, and I have no problem stating it. The gorilla's death makes me feel a lot sadder than I would feel if the child had died. As a general rule, I have more empathy for other animals than I do for the human species.

This is so sad. I hope no human (young or old) ever has to be in your care. [emoji17]

I'm a reading specialist at elementary and middle school.

Damn... [emoji15]

Would you stand back and watch as a stray dog or other animal mauled a helpless child?

Do you feel you'd still have a job if the parents of your students and/or the school board saw this forum or knew you felt this way?

If I'm being honest, I feel you'd be viewed as a huge liability, at best.

I'd much rather a person who thinks critically and doesn't consider themselves superior over other living things be responsible for my 4 year old all day. Huge props to WeeOui for stating her unabashed feelings on the matter.

 

[packrat]

Humans are more animalistic than animals. The book mentioned above reminds me of the meme I see on FB now and again of a Great White Shark in the ocean and a diver next to it and it says along the lines "Here we see the most ruthless killer on the planet. Swimming nearby is the Great White Shark". Animals kill out of instinct, not out of joy or hatred, unlike humans. And humans think they're the higher life form. Humans are going to end up destroying the planet at some point, because of our arrogance and general stupidity.

 

[WeeOui]

One of my favorite nonfiction children's books is 101 Questions and Answers about Dangerous Animals by Seymour Simon. On the very last page, there is a shiny silver paper that reflects the reader's face, illustrating which animal on this planet is actually the most dangerous and destructive of all.

I absolutely value the gorilla's life more than the child's, and I have no problem stating it. The gorilla's death makes me feel a lot sadder than I would feel if the child had died. As a general rule, I have more empathy for other animals than I do for the human species.

This is so sad. I hope no human (young or old) ever has to be in your care. [emoji17]

I'm a reading specialist at elementary and middle school.

Damn... [emoji15]

Would you stand back and watch as a stray dog or other animal mauled a helpless child?

Do you feel you'd still have a job if the parents of your students and/or the school board saw this forum or knew you felt this way?

If I'm being honest, I feel you'd be viewed as a huge liability, at best.

Two totally different scenarios, so your point is pointless. As an educator in an inner city, I witness the effects of negligent or nonexistent parenting everyday. It's extremely sad to me that in this case, it was not only the child who paid the price. In my opinion, the mother should face charges for child neglect, and her children should be removed from her care until CPS can deem her fit to parent.

 

[msop04]

One of my favorite nonfiction children's books is 101 Questions and Answers about Dangerous Animals by Seymour Simon. On the very last page, there is a shiny silver paper that reflects the reader's face, illustrating which animal on this planet is actually the most dangerous and destructive of all.

I absolutely value the gorilla's life more than the child's, and I have no problem stating it. The gorilla's death makes me feel a lot sadder than I would feel if the child had died. As a general rule, I have more empathy for other animals than I do for the human species.

This is so sad. I hope no human (young or old) ever has to be in your care. [emoji17]

I'm a reading specialist at elementary and middle school.

Damn... [emoji15]

Would you stand back and watch as a stray dog or other animal mauled a helpless child?

Do you feel you'd still have a job if the parents of your students and/or the school board saw this forum or knew you felt this way?

If I'm being honest, I feel you'd be viewed as a huge liability, at best.

I'd much rather a person who thinks critically and doesn't consider themselves superior over other living things be responsible for my 4 year old all day. Huge props to WeeOui for stating her unabashed feelings on the matter.

I pray your precious child (or any person, for that matter) is never in a situation where the decision for his/her safety is threatened by an animal when being "cared for" or in the presence of one of those critical thinkers you admire so much. Truly.

 

[msop04]

One of my favorite nonfiction children's books is 101 Questions and Answers about Dangerous Animals by Seymour Simon. On the very last page, there is a shiny silver paper that reflects the reader's face, illustrating which animal on this planet is actually the most dangerous and destructive of all.

I absolutely value the gorilla's life more than the child's, and I have no problem stating it. The gorilla's death makes me feel a lot sadder than I would feel if the child had died. As a general rule, I have more empathy for other animals than I do for the human species.

This is so sad. I hope no human (young or old) ever has to be in your care. [emoji17]

I'm a reading specialist at elementary and middle school.

Damn... [emoji15]

Would you stand back and watch as a stray dog or other animal mauled a helpless child?

Do you feel you'd still have a job if the parents of your students and/or the school board saw this forum or knew you felt this way?

If I'm being honest, I feel you'd be viewed as a huge liability, at best.

Two totally different scenarios, so your point is pointless. As an educator in an inner city, I witness the effects of negligent or nonexistent parenting everyday. It's extremely sad to me that in this case, it was not only the child who paid the price. In my opinion, the mother should face charges for child neglect, and her children should be removed from her care until CPS can deem her fit to parent.

Not "pointless." Children are under your care on a daily basis. Parents entrust teachers with their children. This is why school systems do background checks -- to do their diligence in keeping children safe on their watch. You are responsible for them during class.

I asked what you'd do in that type of situation. What would you do? What would be your role? Would you act to save the child in danger or would you allow it to happen?

 

[WeeOui]

One of my favorite nonfiction children's books is 101 Questions and Answers about Dangerous Animals by Seymour Simon. On the very last page, there is a shiny silver paper that reflects the reader's face, illustrating which animal on this planet is actually the most dangerous and destructive of all.

I absolutely value the gorilla's life more than the child's, and I have no problem stating it. The gorilla's death makes me feel a lot sadder than I would feel if the child had died. As a general rule, I have more empathy for other animals than I do for the human species.

This is so sad. I hope no human (young or old) ever has to be in your care. [emoji17]

I'm a reading specialist at elementary and middle school.

Damn... [emoji15]

Would you stand back and watch as a stray dog or other animal mauled a helpless child?

Do you feel you'd still have a job if the parents of your students and/or the school board saw this forum or knew you felt this way?

If I'm being honest, I feel you'd be viewed as a huge liability, at best.

Two totally different scenarios, so your point is pointless. As an educator in an inner city, I witness the effects of negligent or nonexistent parenting everyday. It's extremely sad to me that in this case, it was not only the child who paid the price. In my opinion, the mother should face charges for child neglect, and her children should be removed from her care until CPS can deem her fit to parent.

I forgot to address your personal attack. I happen to be related by marriage to our school board superintendent, and she is well aware of my animal activism. I have a large group of students who just earned recognition from our district for our work in an area animal shelter. We have a large student population labeled as "ED" (emotionally disturbed), and their volunteer work is incredibly therapeutic for them. Not everyone shares your view that other animals are somehow inferior to the human variety.

 

[momhappy]

Deb, yes, as you pointed out everyone has their moments on PS where they become upset about statements made by others. As a long time PS member I think I have earned the right to do that every so often. Others have certainly invoked that right from time to time. I reacted to a few things that were said on this thread. I am not the first to do that and I won't be the last. I let my emotions get the best of me and for that I apologize. I will bow out now.

Indeed you have earned the right to become upset, junebug. You have been here forever and you never cause trouble. I am far more prone to rabble rousing than you because I start political threads. It was the thread that had gone off track, not your postings (in my opinion, of course). The talk of who should die started many postings back.

Pie anyone?

Deb

Yes! Pie please - before this gets any uglier

 

[msop04]

One of my favorite nonfiction children's books is 101 Questions and Answers about Dangerous Animals by Seymour Simon. On the very last page, there is a shiny silver paper that reflects the reader's face, illustrating which animal on this planet is actually the most dangerous and destructive of all.

I absolutely value the gorilla's life more than the child's, and I have no problem stating it. The gorilla's death makes me feel a lot sadder than I would feel if the child had died. As a general rule, I have more empathy for other animals than I do for the human species.

This is so sad. I hope no human (young or old) ever has to be in your care. [emoji17]

I'm a reading specialist at elementary and middle school.

Damn... [emoji15]

Would you stand back and watch as a stray dog or other animal mauled a helpless child?

Do you feel you'd still have a job if the parents of your students and/or the school board saw this forum or knew you felt this way?

If I'm being honest, I feel you'd be viewed as a huge liability, at best.

Two totally different scenarios, so your point is pointless. As an educator in an inner city, I witness the effects of negligent or nonexistent parenting everyday. It's extremely sad to me that in this case, it was not only the child who paid the price. In my opinion, the mother should face charges for child neglect, and her children should be removed from her care until CPS can deem her fit to parent.

I forgot to address your personal attack. I happen to be related by marriage to our school board superintendent, and she is well aware of my animal activism. I have a large group of students who just earned recognition from our district for our work in an area animal shelter. We have a large student population labeled as "ED" (emotionally disturbed), and their volunteer work is incredibly therapeutic for them. Not everyone shares your view that other animals are somehow inferior to the human variety.

Contrary to what you may feel, I'm not attacking you at all. You've said you value animals over humans. I asked what you would do, as a teacher and therefore caretaker, if faced with a similar situation. I also asked how you believe the parents of said children would feel about your stance. You never answered.

I do feel that humans are superior, which is why I totally support saving another human when endangered by an animal. I'm honestly curious as to what your role would be in that situation. Even though I feel like I know the answer, I wanted you to state it... just so we're all clear.

 

[WeeOui]

One of my favorite nonfiction children's books is 101 Questions and Answers about Dangerous Animals by Seymour Simon. On the very last page, there is a shiny silver paper that reflects the reader's face, illustrating which animal on this planet is actually the most dangerous and destructive of all.

I absolutely value the gorilla's life more than the child's, and I have no problem stating it. The gorilla's death makes me feel a lot sadder than I would feel if the child had died. As a general rule, I have more empathy for other animals than I do for the human species.

This is so sad. I hope no human (young or old) ever has to be in your care. [emoji17]

I'm a reading specialist at elementary and middle school.

Damn... [emoji15]

Would you stand back and watch as a stray dog or other animal mauled a helpless child?

Do you feel you'd still have a job if the parents of your students and/or the school board saw this forum or knew you felt this way?

If I'm being honest, I feel you'd be viewed as a huge liability, at best.

Two totally different scenarios, so your point is pointless. As an educator in an inner city, I witness the effects of negligent or nonexistent parenting everyday. It's extremely sad to me that in this case, it was not only the child who paid the price. In my opinion, the mother should face charges for child neglect, and her children should be removed from her care until CPS can deem her fit to parent.

Not "pointless." Children are under your care on a daily basis. Parents entrust teachers with their children. This is why school systems do background checks -- to do their diligence in keeping children safe on their watch. You are responsible for them during class.

I asked what you'd do in that type of situation. What would you do? What would be your role? Would you act to save the child in danger or would you allow it to happen?

Sorry, but your scenario is not comparable to the killing of this gorilla. The student group who volunteer at our animal shelter are not allowed anywhere near animals that could pose any threat to them, and they are well-supervised. If that child had been supervised at all during his visit to the zoo, this violence would never have had to happen. I supervise a group of 15 students during our shelter visits, and not a single one has ever managed to get himself/herself on the wrong side of the kennel. That's the difference between actually monitoring children vs. being an unfit parent.

 

[msop04]

One of my favorite nonfiction children's books is 101 Questions and Answers about Dangerous Animals by Seymour Simon. On the very last page, there is a shiny silver paper that reflects the reader's face, illustrating which animal on this planet is actually the most dangerous and destructive of all.

I absolutely value the gorilla's life more than the child's, and I have no problem stating it. The gorilla's death makes me feel a lot sadder than I would feel if the child had died. As a general rule, I have more empathy for other animals than I do for the human species.

This is so sad. I hope no human (young or old) ever has to be in your care. [emoji17]

I'm a reading specialist at elementary and middle school.

Damn... [emoji15]

Would you stand back and watch as a stray dog or other animal mauled a helpless child?

Do you feel you'd still have a job if the parents of your students and/or the school board saw this forum or knew you felt this way?

If I'm being honest, I feel you'd be viewed as a huge liability, at best.

Two totally different scenarios, so your point is pointless. As an educator in an inner city, I witness the effects of negligent or nonexistent parenting everyday. It's extremely sad to me that in this case, it was not only the child who paid the price. In my opinion, the mother should face charges for child neglect, and her children should be removed from her care until CPS can deem her fit to parent.

Not "pointless." Children are under your care on a daily basis. Parents entrust teachers with their children. This is why school systems do background checks -- to do their diligence in keeping children safe on their watch. You are responsible for them during class.

I asked what you'd do in that type of situation. What would you do? What would be your role? Would you act to save the child in danger or would you allow it to happen?

Sorry, but your scenario is not comparable to the killing of this gorilla. The student group who volunteer at our animal shelter are not allowed anywhere near animals that could pose any threat to them, and they are well-supervised. If that child had been supervised at all during his visit to the zoo, this violence would never have had to happen. I supervise a group of 15 students during our shelter visits, and not a single one has ever managed to get himself/herself on the wrong side of the kennel. That's the difference between actually monitoring children vs. being an unfit parent.

Once again, avoiding the question. I'm not saying it's comparable to any every day occurrence -- I'm sure the mother at the zoo never dreamed her son would get into a gorilla enclosure. I'm asking what you would do in a similar situation.

Are you avoiding the question bc your answer would be disturbing? I'll make it easy for you... multiple choice and write-in.

What would your role be in a situation where you witnessed one of your students being attacked by an animal?

A. Do nothing
B. Act to try and save the child
C. Other: ______________________

 

[WeeOui]

One of my favorite nonfiction children's books is 101 Questions and Answers about Dangerous Animals by Seymour Simon. On the very last page, there is a shiny silver paper that reflects the reader's face, illustrating which animal on this planet is actually the most dangerous and destructive of all.

I absolutely value the gorilla's life more than the child's, and I have no problem stating it. The gorilla's death makes me feel a lot sadder than I would feel if the child had died. As a general rule, I have more empathy for other animals than I do for the human species.

This is so sad. I hope no human (young or old) ever has to be in your care. [emoji17]

I'm a reading specialist at elementary and middle school.

Damn... [emoji15]

Would you stand back and watch as a stray dog or other animal mauled a helpless child?

Do you feel you'd still have a job if the parents of your students and/or the school board saw this forum or knew you felt this way?

If I'm being honest, I feel you'd be viewed as a huge liability, at best.

Two totally different scenarios, so your point is pointless. As an educator in an inner city, I witness the effects of negligent or nonexistent parenting everyday. It's extremely sad to me that in this case, it was not only the child who paid the price. In my opinion, the mother should face charges for child neglect, and her children should be removed from her care until CPS can deem her fit to parent.

I forgot to address your personal attack. I happen to be related by marriage to our school board superintendent, and she is well aware of my animal activism. I have a large group of students who just earned recognition from our district for our work in an area animal shelter. We have a large student population labeled as "ED" (emotionally disturbed), and their volunteer work is incredibly therapeutic for them. Not everyone shares your view that other animals are somehow inferior to the human variety.

Contrary to what you may feel, I'm not attacking you at all. You've said you value animals over humans. I asked what you would do, as a teacher and therefore caretaker, if faced with a similar situation. I also asked how you believe the parents of said children would feel about your stance. You never answered.

I do feel that humans are superior, which is why I totally support saving another human when endangered by an animal. I'm honestly curious as to what your role would be in that situation. Even though I feel like I know the answer, I wanted you to state it... just so we're all clear.

Since you're so curious, what I would do in that situation is to MAKE SURE THE SITUATION NEVER HAPPENS!! Duh. The simple fact that this would even happen would mean that I was negligent to a gross degree.

Ugh. Humans.