Harambe

Harambe (/həˈrɑːmbeɪ/ hə-RAHM-bay; May 27, 1999 – May 28, 2016) was a western lowland gorilla who lived at the Cincinnati Zoo. On May 28, 2016, a three-year-old boy visiting the zoo climbed under a fence into an outdoor gorilla enclosure where he was violently grabbed and dragged by Harambe. Fearing for the boy's life, a zoo worker shot and killed Harambe. The incident was recorded on video and received broad international coverage and commentary, including controversy over the choice to use lethal force. A number of primatologists and conservationists wrote later that the zoo had no other choice under the circumstances, and that it highlighted the danger of zoo animals near humans and the need for better standards of care.

For the Kenyan tradition, see Harambee.
For other uses, see Harambe (disambiguation).

Harambe
Still from a video showing Harambe holding the 3-year-old boy
SpeciesWestern gorilla
SexMale
Born(1999-05-27)May 27, 1999
Gladys Porter Zoo, Brownsville, Texas, U.S.
DiedMay 28, 2016(2016-05-28) (aged 17)
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Cause of deathGunshot wound
Known forCircumstances of death
Residence
  • Gladys Porter Zoo (1999–2014)
  • Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (2014–2016)
Weight440 lb (200 kg)
Named after"Harambe (Working Together for Freedom)", song by Rita Marley

Harambe became the subject of internet memes, songs, a video game, a statue, and other tributes and recognitions.

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