What Type of Gorilla Was Harambe
Harambe was a western lowland gorilla. This subspecies is one of the most common gorilla types in captivity and in accredited zoos.
Western Lowland Gorilla Traits
Western lowland gorillas are smaller than mountain gorillas, with darker fur and a broader skull. They live in lowland tropical forests of central Africa.
Why Harambe Became Widely Known
Harambe lived at the Cincinnati Zoo and gained global attention in 2016 after a child entered his enclosure. The incident led to widespread discussion about zoo safety and gorilla behavior.
For background on western lowland gorillas and conservation status, see the National Geographic western lowland gorilla guide.
