The director of the Cincinnati Zoo, Thane Maynard, defends the actions taken by the establishment to shoot the lowland gorilla, Harambe, which ultimately led to its death.

The zoo operators were faced with a hard situation where a 4-year-old boy fell into the enclosure, and left with no other option but to shoot the gorilla before it might potentially harm the injured boy, according to the BBC.

The boy's family commended the quick actions of the rangers stating that it was "a very difficult decision for them."

The Cincinnati Fire Department released information that the first responders witnessed the gorilla violently dragging and throwing the child within its enclosure. The 400-pound gorilla was with the boy for about 10 minutes before the zoo's Dangerous Animal Response Team declared the situation as a matter of life and death for the boy, according to Cincinnati news website.

"The choice was made to put down, or shoot, Harambe," Maynard said to the press. "We've never had a situation like this at the Cincinnati Zoo where a dangerous animal needed to be dispatched in an emergency situation," he continued.

The fire department press release indicated that by the time the shot was taken, the boy was beneath the Harambe; between the gorilla's legs.

Maynard said that the zoo's response team responded accordingly to their protocol, and followed procedures that they practice in drills. The director also stated that during entire 38-year history of the zoo's gorilla habitat exhibit, the zoo never had experienced anyone get into the enclosure by accident.

Cincinnati Zoo has to face the backlash of their actions, where many opted for social media to express their outcry against the zoo's actions. The hashtag #Harambe circulated social media, with many celebrities has joined in.

Many have also defended the gorilla and stated that the mother was to blame due to negligence. Many grieve the loss of the lowland gorilla, according to the Telegraph.

The highly exposed incident might've forced the zoo to issue a statement that their actions are justified.