Who Was Harambe the Gorilla
Harambe was a western lowland gorilla born in 1999 at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Texas. He was later transferred to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden in Ohio, where he lived until his death in 2016.
Incident and Death
In May 2016, a child fell into Harambe's enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo. Zoo officials decided to shoot and kill Harambe to protect the child. The incident was captured on video and spread widely online, sparking intense public debate.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Harambe became a major internet meme and a symbol in discussions about zoo safety, animal welfare, and parenting. The Cincinnati Zoo has since updated its safety protocols and continues to participate in gorilla conservation programs. For background on western lowland gorillas, see the National Geographic gorilla guide.
