MILWAUKEE -- "Life is life," explained Milwaukee County Zoo senior manager Alex Waier. That's why he said the Milwaukee County Zoo prepares for any emergencies that could happen- from weather, to an escaped animal.
Even a situation similar to what happened in Cincinnati , where a Gorilla was shot and killed after a child entered the enclosure and the gorilla dragged it around.
Waier said every animal is different, so every situation has to be handled uniquely. That's why the Zoo practices its Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) accredited safety procedures regularly. Still, he said every zoo has different policies and procedures, and the Milwaukee County Zoo has many he's proud of.
"Ropes and fences and walls and cages and moats," described Waier. He said those are around dangerous animals, but also the non-dangerous "to protect the animals, as well as the people."
An important protection, according to parents.
"Kids get excited- I'm like holding onto him all the time," explained Rosaline Soosai. "They should be treated as wild animals and the enclosures should be safe enough," she said.
Kyme Rathke, another zoo-goer, said she talked with her kids Monday morning before going to the zoo.
"Be careful, don't go too far over the railing, because it could happen," she tells TODAY'S TMJ4 she warned her kids.
Brent Martin said kids can get away from parents, but he and his wife try to keep them out of harm's way.
"We try to do as much as we can, not climbing, even keeping them a safe distance from the guards," he said.
