Even sympathetic coverage of Harambe’s death referred to him as "it" or "the gorilla that" as opposed to "the gorilla who," an indication of his lower moral status. That doesn't mean the outpouring over Harambe's death is misplaced. Last weekend at the Cincinnati Zoo, a child got curious and a gorilla got shot. Darting Harambe with a tranquilizer gun was judged too risky as the drugs don't take immediate effect; the act might have enraged the gorilla before sedating him. Perhaps the widespread sorrow around Harambe's death will similarly encourage people to rethink putting animals on display so that we can gawk at them.

Source: Los Angeles Times June 05, 2016 12:01 UTC