Ashtonishing footage of a gorilla who was shot dead to protect a young boy who fell into his enclosure shows he was holding the tot's hand during the ordeal.

Harambe the gorilla was shot and killed after he picked up the 4-year-old child who dropped 12 feet into his enclosure and landed in front of him.

Zoo staff reacted immediately after reports that the 400lb gorilla was aggresively dragging the toddler through water.

Eye witness reports have surfaced claiming the silverback was trying to protect the child and even held his hand. 

Further claims said the gorilla peacefully stood beside the boy, until the chaos unfurled which sparked the giant mammal's behaviour.

The parents of the boy who fell into the enclosure will be subject to a police inquiry following public backlash over the incident.

Glasgow Times:

The family released a statement on Sunday saying they had taken their boy home from the hospital.

It read: 'We are so thankful to the Lord that our child is safe. He is home and doing just fine. We extend our heartfelt thanks for the quick action by the Cincinnati Zoo staff. 

'We know that this was a very difficult decision for them, and that they are grieving the loss of their gorilla. We hope that you will respect our privacy at this time.'