Harambe’s Story: A Tragedy That Touched the World

On May 28, 2016, a 4-year-old boy fell into the gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo. Harambe, a 17-year-old gorilla, approached the child, and in a tense moment, zoo staff made the heartbreaking choice to shoot Harambe to protect the boy.

Some experts believe Harambe may have been trying to help, not harm. But others stress that tranquilizers weren’t fast enough to prevent possible danger.

The incident sparked global debate — about zoo safety, animal captivity, and how we treat wildlife. Harambe’s death became a symbol of the complicated bond between humans and animals, and a reminder of the need for greater understanding and respect for the wild.