From Tragedy To Internet Icon, The Incredible Story Of Harambe The Gorilla

News18

5 days ago

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Harambe's story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding wildlife captivity and human responsibility.
On the afternoon of May 28, 2016, a three-year-old kid visiting the Cincinnati Zoo with his family climbed over a public barrier and fell into the moat that surrounds the Gorilla World exhibit. Harambe, a 17-year-old western lowland gorilla weighing 400 pounds, lived in the enclosure. The aftermath of this human coming face to face with the wildlife became a poignant and unforgotten chapter in our meme culture that is still fresh in the minds of the folks on the Internet.
What Happened After That
Upon falling roughly 15 feet into the moat, the child was approached by Harambe. Video footage captured by bystanders shows Harambe standing near the boy and then grabbing and dragging him through the water. At one point, Harambe appeared to hold the boy upright, which some interpreted as protective behaviour, though it also involved moments of rough handling. The scene was distressing, with onlookers shouting, some recording video, and others pleading for help.
The zoo's animal response team quickly arrived on the scene. While Harambe did not appear to be overly aggressive in all of his actions, zoo officials described his behaviour as 'agitated" and unpredictable. There were growing concerns that the gorilla could unintentionally harm or kill the child due to his sheer size and strength, even if Harambe meant no harm.
Tranquilizing Harambe was ruled out by zoo staff, as they feared the sedative wouldn't take effect immediately, and could further agitate the animal. Given the potential danger to the child's life, the decision was made to fatally shoot Harambe with a rifle. The child was then safely retrieved by zoo personnel and taken to Cincinnati Children's Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, including scrapes and bruises.
After The Incident
The incident triggered a firestorm of public opinion. Some blamed the zoo for inadequate safety measures, while others criticised the boy's parents for not supervising their child more closely. An investigation by authorities cleared both the zoo and the boy's parents of wrongdoing, citing it as a tragic accident.
While the child survived with only minor injuries, the shooting of Harambe sparked global outrage, ignited debates on animal captivity, and made Harambe a viral symbol of both genuine concern and internet satire.
The Rise of the Harambe Meme
After Harambe's death, the internet transformed the gorilla into a viral meme. The hashtag #RIPHarambe trended widely, and satirical campaigns emerged.
Harambe's name was humorously suggested in various online polls, such as naming a baby gorilla 'Harambe McHarambeface."
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The Cincinnati Zoo, overwhelmed by the meme's persistence, temporarily deleted its Twitter account due to constant mentions, as per reports. Harambe's image became a symbol of internet culture, blending satire and commentary.
The meme culture surrounding Harambe highlighted the internet's role in shaping public discourse and collective memory.
Harambe's Enduring Legacy
Harambe's death led to increased scrutiny of zoo practices and discussions about human-animal interactions. The Cincinnati Zoo faced both criticism and support, while Harambe's story reportedly inspired songs, artworks, and even a statue on Wall Street.
The incident remains a reference point in debates about wildlife conservation and the ethical treatment of animals.
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New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
May 29, 2025, 17:36 IST