CINCINNATI – A gorilla dragged a 3-year-old boy that fell into its enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Saturday, police said.
Police and EMTs were called to the zoo at about 4 p.m.
A witness said the boy fell about 20 feet into an area of water, then the gorilla grabbed and dragged the screaming boy around the habitat.
The gorilla was tranquilized, police said.
The boy was sitting upright calmly after the gorilla was tranquilized, according to witnesses. He rescued from the exhibit and hospitalized for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening, police said.
Witness says child is okay and was calm @wcpo
— Rose-Ann Aragon WCPO (@RAragonWCPO) May 28, 2016
A zoo representative said they were still gathering information but would provide an update as soon as possible.
Zoo Director Thane Maynard will address reporters at 6 p.m. Check back to watch live.
RELATED: How the zoo prepares for emergencies
The "gorilla world" exhibit is home to 11 gorillas in two family groups. The zoo has plans to expand the exhibit.
The zoo has a long-running western lowland gorilla propagation program in conjunction with zoos across the country. Last year, a gorilla born at the zoo was the 50th born there.
Further details weren't immediately available. Check back for updates.
