Just a few days after Harambe, a gorilla at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Ohio, was fatally shot after a boy fell into its enclosure on Saturday (May 28), the Internet has erupted with a storm of criticism for the parents of the four-year-old.

The Daily Mail Online has revealed that the boy's parents are Michelle Gregg, 32, and Deonne Dickerson, 36. They have four children together.

Ms Gregg is currently working at a Cincinnati pre-school as an administrator, while Mr Dickerson is a sorter at a Cincinnati industrial equipment supplier.

Mr Dickerson has a history of criminal records, Daily Mail Online said, with criminal filings such as drug trafficking, criminal trespass, kidnap, disorderly conduct, burglary and firearms offences.

He was convicted for drug trafficking and sentenced to one year in jail in 2006.

But it appears that Mr Dickerson has turned over a new leaf in recent years and is now a happy dad, as seen in updates of his children and work on his Facebook page.

The boy's parents could face charges over Harambe's death, The Independent reported.

As of Tuesday afternoon, 106,738 people have liked the "Justice for Harambe" Facebook page, which was created on May 28 to "raise awareness of Harambe's murder" and to uphold justice by ensuring that charges are "brought against those responsible".

Over on Twitter, criticisms of the boy's parents can be seen in tweets such as "Beautiful animals sadly paying for utter human stupidity and negligence with their lives. #Harambe #CincinnatiZoo"

In an attempt to defend herself from these social media critics and to offer her thanks to people who have sent messages of support, Ms Gregg posted a message on Facebook .

She wrote: "As a society we are quick to judge how a parent could take their eyes off of their child and if anyone knows me I keep a tight watch on my kids.

"Accidents happen but I am thankful that the right people were in the right place today," she added.