The Tragic Incident
On May 28, 2016, a three-year-old boy named Isiah Gregg climbed over a barrier and fell into the gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo. He was dragged and carried around by a 17-year-old male western lowland gorilla named Harambe for about 10 minutes, while zoo staff and visitors watched in horror. Zoo officials made the difficult decision to shoot and kill Harambe to save the boy’s life, sparking a global controversy and outrage over animal rights and human negligence.
According to The Guardian1, Isiah suffered a concussion and some scratches, but was otherwise unharmed by the incident. His parents, Deonne Dickerson and Michelle Gregg, faced criticism and even death threats for their alleged lack of supervision and responsibility. They also faced a police investigation, but were not charged with any crime.
The Aftermath
In the aftermath of the incident, Isiah and his family received support and sympathy from some people, but also faced backlash and harassment from others. According to The Express Tribune2, they had to move to a different home due to security concerns and media attention. They also had to change their phone numbers and delete their social media accounts.
According to Daily Mail3, Isiah was seen for the first time since Harambe’s death with his family in June 2016. He was holding a toy truck and wearing an orange Nintendo Super Mario T-shirt that read “I Make Awesome Happen”. The scratches on his forehead and elbow were clearly visible, scarred by his experiences.
The Present
It has been almost seven years since the incident that changed Isiah’s life forever. How is he doing now? According to Clambar Online4, Isiah is now 10 years old and attends a private school in Cincinnati. He is reportedly doing well academically and socially, and enjoys playing video games and basketball. He also loves animals, especially dogs.
However, Isiah still suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and nightmares from the incident. He has been undergoing therapy and counseling to cope with his trauma and fears. He also has to deal with the stigma and bullying from some of his peers and strangers who call him names like “gorilla boy” or “Harambe killer”.
Isiah’s parents have been supportive and protective of him throughout his ordeal. They have tried to shield him from the negative publicity and comments, and have taught him to be compassionate and respectful of all living beings. They have also sued the Cincinnati Zoo for negligence and emotional distress, seeking compensation for their son’s injuries and suffering.
The Future
Isiah Gregg has a long way to go before he can fully heal from his traumatic experience. He will likely face more challenges and difficulties as he grows up in a world that still remembers him as the boy who fell into Harambe’s enclosure. However, he also has a lot of potential and opportunities to make a positive difference in his life and in the lives of others. He has shown resilience and courage in overcoming his fears and obstacles, and has demonstrated kindness and empathy towards animals and humans alike. He has a bright future ahead of him, if he chooses to pursue it.