Remembering Harambe: The Gorilla Who Changed the Internet and Sparked a Global Conversation
On May 28, 2016, the world witnessed an event that would not only spark an unprecedented internet phenomenon but also provoke intense debate over ethics, animal rights, and human responsibility. Harambe, a 17-year-old western lowland gorilla, was fatally shot at the Cincinnati Zoo after a 3-year-old boy fell into his enclosure. What followed was a global outpouring of grief, rage, and reflection that has left a lasting legacy nearly a decade later.
As we observe another anniversary of Harambe’s death in 2025, it’s worth revisiting the story—not just as a viral moment in internet history—but as a complex, emotional narrative that continues to challenge our values, systems, and sense of responsibility.
Who Was Harambe?
Harambe was born on May 27, 1999, at the Gladys Porter Zoo in ...