As a means to preserve the G-d-given bounty of the earth for the benefit of humanity, environmentalism is an obligation and a blessing. As a religion that it has become for many, environmentalism is modernized idolatry. No more poignant example of the former was the decision at the Cincinnati Zoo to sacrifice the life of a 450-pound gorilla for the safety of a four-year-old boy. No more poignant example of the latter is the outcry against the decision of the zoo by many.
More than 60,000 people signed a petition calling for the boy’s parents to “be held accountable for the lack of supervision and negligence that caused Harambe [the gorilla] to lose his life” — as if it were a given that the parents were negligent. The assumption that they were negligent — the privileging of animal life over human life — is one more disturbing dimension of a subtle derogation of human life that surrounds us. Cooler heads will determine whether charges should be brought against the parents.
It is a terrible loss when an animal needs to be shot. We wonder whether those quick to judge and condemn the parents — and the zookeepers — are as careful about stepping on ants as they are vocal about more fashionable animal life. Life is life. All life is precious. Human life, however, is more precious than animal life. It is axiomatic.
Zoo Director Thane Maynard said: “[The officials] made a tough choice and they made the right choice because they saved that little boy’s life.” A tranquilizer would not have had a quick enough effect, said Maynard.
He was devastated at the loss of the critically endangered gorilla. He called the gorilla’s death “a huge loss for the zoo family and the gorilla population worldwide.” He is right.
The loss of a four-year-old boy would have been an infinitely larger loss. The zookeepers who prevented that should be thanked, not questioned; praised, not condemned.
The family said: “We continue to praise G-d for His grace and mercy, and to be thankful to the Cincinnati Zoo for their actions taken to protect our child. We are also very appreciative for the expressions of concern and support that have been sent to us. Some have offered money to the family, which we do not want and will not accept. If anyone wishes to make a gift, we recommend a donation to the Cincinnati Zoo in Harambe’s name.”
Perfect — under the tragic circumstances.
Copyright © 2016 by the Intermountain Jewish News
