Harambe

Harambe was a western lowland gorilla who lived at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden from 2015 until he was fatally shot on May 28, 2016, after a three-year-old boy entered his enclosure. The incident sparked widespread outrage and controversy, generating significant media coverage and becoming a prominent internet meme.

Background:

Harambe was born at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas, on May 27, 1999. He was transferred to the Cincinnati Zoo in 2015 as part of a breeding program.

The Incident:

On May 28, 2016, a three-year-old boy climbed through a barrier and fell into the gorilla enclosure's moat. Harambe approached the boy and, for approximately ten minutes, dragged him through the water and occasionally stood over him. Zoo officials deemed the situation life-threatening and made the decision to fatally shoot Harambe rather than attempt to tranquilize him, citing concerns about the speed of tranquilizer taking effect and the potential for Harambe to become agitated and further endanger the child.

Controversy and Aftermath:

The shooting of Harambe generated immediate and intense public debate. Some criticized the boy's parents for negligence, while others questioned the zoo's safety measures. The zoo defended its decision, stating that it was necessary to protect the child's life. Animal rights activists protested the killing, arguing that Harambe did not appear to be intentionally harming the boy and that non-lethal methods should have been attempted.

The incident quickly became a widespread internet meme, with Harambe's image and name used in a variety of jokes, tributes, and satirical commentary. The memes often expressed mock outrage or affection for Harambe, and the phrase "Dicks out for Harambe" became a popular, albeit controversial, slogan. The meme's popularity led to discussions about the nature of internet culture, grief, and the appropriation of serious events for comedic purposes.

Legacy:

Harambe's death prompted renewed discussions about zoo safety, animal welfare, and the ethical considerations of keeping animals in captivity. The Cincinnati Zoo subsequently increased the height of the barrier around the gorilla enclosure. Harambe remains a significant cultural reference point, symbolizing both the tragic loss of an animal and the complex dynamics of online culture.