Report: Zoo's barrier wasn't up to compliance when child fell in gorilla enclosure

CINCINNATI -- A federal inspection found that the Cincinnati Zoo's barrier between the public and the gorilla exhibit was not in compliance with standards the day a child slipped into the enclosure.

The official report states that the zoo's dangerous-animal response team properly followed procedure after visitors who witnessed the accident called 911.

One of the members of the team decided the child was in "life-threatening danger" when the 17-year-old gorilla named Harambe was killed to save the child.

After the gorilla died, the zoo quickly improved the barrier.

U.S. Agriculture Department spokeswoman told Tanya Espinosa the Associated Press the investigation is ongoing. It could lead to other disciplinary action.

A zoo spokesperson says it will release a statement later Thursday, according to AP.