Dramatic 911 calls from toddler falling into gorilla enclosure released

CINCINNATI -- Dramatic 911 calls from the mother whose small child had fallen into the gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo have been released. The incident on Saturday resulted a 17-year-old endangered silverback gorilla being shot to death, sparking controversy.

On the tape, released by police, the mother can be heard saying, "My son fell in the zoo exhibit at the gorilla, at the Cincinnati zoo, my son fell in with gorilla, there is a male gorilla standing over him."

The mother can be heard calling to her son, in the gorilla enclosure, "Be calm, be calm!"

"He's dragging my son, I can't watch this," the mother adds, according to the call.

Meanwhile a bystander can be heard panicking: "There's a baby in the zoo at gorilla moat, hurry, hurry, the gorillas are out, oh my god."

The toddler was eventually rescued and suffered minor injuries. The gorilla was shot dead by zoo officials.

"Our child has had a checkup by his doctor and is still doing well. We continue to praise God for His grace and mercy, and to be thankful to the Cincinnati Zoo for their actions taken to protect our child. We are also very appreciative for the expressions of concern and support that have been sent to us. Some have offered money to the family, which we do not want and will not accept. If anyone wishes to make a gift, we recommend a donation to the Cincinnati Zoo in Harambe's name." The family of the child who fell into the gorilla enclosure said in a statement.

A spokesperson for the family said the family is cooperating with the police investigation and they have no plans to sue the zoo.