[FITZ]

I had read that the injuries were minor --- but apparently they weren't. Still it's not the animal's fault that he was not properly confined. He's not a pet, he's a wild dangerous animal and it's lucky he didn't want to kill someone or he obviously would have. I guess that's part of the attraction with zoos --- wild dangerous animals kept within a few feet of us.

[Let's Roll]

According to Dallas Morning News - requires registration but free and there are several articles - the gorilla enclosure was award winning - tested by experienced rock climbers to see if escape was possible etc. They still don't know how it got out.

It charged the police officers after it had chased, bitten etc. the other victims. Police did not just calmly go in, draw a bead on it and shoot it.

The police made the right decision "under fire." People - especially children have to come first.

OTOH, I hate to see animals confined in zoos - especially the highly intelligent ones - but I do understand the value - it raises interest in preserving the endangered species.

Also Fort Worth Star Telegram has several stories.