WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) – The family of the young boy who fell into a gorilla exhibit, leading zookeepers to shoot and kill the animal, suggested yesterday that well-wishers donate to the zoo in the US state of Ohio.

In a statement, the family said the child is doing well following “a check-up by his doctor” and expressed gratitude to zoo officials “for their actions taken to protect our child.”

The 400-pound animal named Harambe was shot and killed Saturday after the toddler crawled through a barrier and fell into a moat at the gorilla exhibit.

Cellphone video of the incident showed the gorilla handling the child in an erratic manner — sometimes seemingly tenderly, other times roughly dragging him through knee-deep water.

“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 said in its statement.

The incident has ignited a furious debate in the United States and beyond over the responsibility for the ape’s death, with online petitions piling blame on the family while others offered their support.

Officials have not identified the family and a spokesperson said the parents had no plans to participate in interviews.