Dallas to Settle in 2004 Gorilla Attack

DALLAS - Council members in Dallas will vote later this week on a settlement proposal for victims of a 2004 gorilla attack at the city zoo.

If the proposal is approved, the families of the victims will share $500,000 for their injuries from a 340-pound western lowland gorilla named Jabari.

The 13-year-old gorilla jumped over a 12-foot wall inside his enclosure at the zoo and was loose for 40 minutes. He bit one child and two adults before police shot and killed him.

Both Keisha Heard and her 9-year-old son Rivers still have scars from that attack. Heard said her son also has nightmares about the attack so she refuses to let him do anything involving gorillas now.

A third victim, Cheryle Reichert, said the gorilla ripped her arm muscle and picked her up and threw her up against a wall twice as her terrified children looked on.

Both Heard and Reichert said they feel the compensation amount is too low. But a Texas law states the city doesn't have to pay more than $500,000 for such cases.

"I think we shouldn't have to go through that. I think the city should've just made an offer," Heard said.

City spokesman Frank J. Librio said the city council meets June 17 and will consider the settlement.