Harambe, a 17-year-old gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo, was killed on May 28, 2016, after a young boy climbed into his enclosure. Zoo staff used lethal force to protect the child, sparking global debate about zoo safety and animal behavior.
Primatologists suggest Harambe may have been curious or protective rather than aggressive. The tragedy raised questions about enclosure design, emergency protocols, and whether tranquilizers could have been an option. Conservationists emphasize respecting barriers, educating the public, and protecting wildlife habitats.
Harambe’s death highlighted the fragile balance between human curiosity and the responsibility to safeguard animals in captivity.
