In May 2016, a 17-year-old western lowland gorilla named Harambe was fatally shot at the Cincinnati Zoo.
The decision was made after a three-year-old boy climbed into the gorilla’s enclosure, sparking a global outcry.
The incident began when the boy managed to climb through a barrier and fell approximately 10 to 12 feet into the exhibit’s moat.
Harambe, one of the zoo’s prized gorillas, approached the child, exhibiting a mix of curious and concerning behaviors.
Eyewitnesses described Harambe as alternately protective and aggressive toward the boy.
The gorilla dragged the child through the water and later carried him out to dry land as onlookers grew frantic.
The crowd’s escalating panic and the gorilla’s unpredictable behavior heightened the tension. Fearing for the child’s safety, zoo officials made the controversial decision to intervene.
The boy was ultimately rescued with non-life-threatening injuries, but Harambe was fatally shot in the process.
This action led to an avalanche of public criticism, especially from animal rights advocates.
One of the primary criticisms was the decision to use lethal force rather than a tranquilizer.
Many believed a tranquilizer could have incapacitated the gorilla without killing him, but experts soon countered this assumption.
Thane Maynard, the Cincinnati Zoo’s director, explained that tranquilizers are not an instant solution.
He stated, “The child was being dragged around… His head was banging on concrete. This was not a gentle thing. The child was at risk.”
Zookeeper Jack Hanna also weighed in, clarifying that tranquilizers take five to ten minutes to work and could have agitated Harambe further.
He stressed that the zoo team acted in the child’s best interest.
Primatologist Jane Goodall also addressed the issue, offering a balanced perspective. She said, “It was awful for the child, the parents, Harambe, the zoo, the keepers, and the public.
But when people come into contact with wild animals, life and death decisions sometimes have to be made.”
The tragedy spurred significant changes at the Cincinnati Zoo to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The zoo replaced the fence with nylon mesh and installed three security cameras around the gorilla enclosure.
The debate over Harambe’s death also fueled broader discussions about the ethics of keeping large primates in captivity.
Critics argued that wild animals should not be confined in environments that increase the risk of such interactions.
Pop culture has given Harambe’s story a unique life over the years. Memes immortalized the gorilla, while phrases like “dicks out for Harambe” became internet sensations.
The incident even inspired Elon Musk to release a song titled RIP Harambe, reflecting the gorilla’s enduring influence on society.
Public memorials, including a temporary statue on Wall Street and an unofficial naming of a bridge, further cemented his legacy.
Despite the backlash, the zoo maintained its stance, highlighting that human safety took precedence.
The decision to fatally shoot Harambe rather than use a tranquilizer was based on expert assessments of the immediate threat to the boy.
The major question of why lethal force was necessary has finally been addressed in detail.
Tranquilizers would have taken too long to work, potentially endangering the child further and escalating the situation.
While Harambe’s death remains a tragedy, it has sparked necessary conversations about the treatment of captive animals.
The incident continues to influence safety protocols and the debate over ethical animal care worldwide.
Featured Image Credit: (Harambe Movie)
