The Cincinnati Zoo found themselves in hot water after a 3-year-old boy climbed over the barrier and into the gorilla enclosure on May 28, which eventually led to the gorilla being shot and killed. While some believe that this was the only option, many have questioned why animals’ rights were not considered.

A witness at the incident took a video of the gorilla, named Harambe, violently dragging the child across the moat in which he resided. There are theories regarding the gorilla’s behavior; some believe that since gorillas are so closely related to humans, his instinct was to treat the toddler like one of his children. The gorilla’s mannerisms in the video were one of protection, not violence.

There were many other measures that could have been taken as opposed to a bullet. Tranquilizers were readily available for the zoo to utilize, but they were never considered as an option. But, even before reaching that point, the zoo’s lack of safety precautions to ensure that there is no way to enter the enclosure is the real issue. It showcases their lack of care when it comes to considering not only their patrons, but the animals as well.

According to Michael A. Budkie, an executive of Stop Animal Exploitation Now, said in a reprort that the zoo “maintained an enclosure that violated the Animal Welfare Act.” Although the zoo could be at fault for potentially breaking precautions regarding the gorilla’s living area, killing Harambe violated his right to live.

This instance is far from the first time that animals’ rights have been put on the back burner. Different species are becoming increasingly endangered, and some are now even extinct. The zoo favored the boy’s life over the gorilla, but in retrospect, while it may seem logical, animals shouldn’t be targeted as the perpetrator in every situation.