When Harambe, the 17-year-old Western lowland gorilla, was shot and killed at the Cincinnati Zoo in May 2016, the world reacted with shock, grief, and outrage. Nearly a decade later, experts continue to reflect on Harambe’s final moments, offering insights into the misunderstood encounter that ended his life.
According to primatologists, Harambe’s behavior in the enclosure was not as clear-cut as many assumed. Dr. Jane Goodall, renowned primate expert, noted in her statements at the time that Harambe seemed protective rather than aggressive when the young boy fell into the enclosure. Videos showed Harambe holding the boy’s hand and standing over him, actions some experts interpret as a mix of curiosity and guardianship.
However, zoo safety specialists emphasize that the situation was extremely dangerous. Dr. Susan Collins, a wildlife behaviorist, explains that even gentle gestures from a 400-pound gorilla could unintentionally injure or kill a child. The decision to shoot Harambe was made within minutes, as tranquilizers could have agitated him further or taken too long to act.
Animal welfare advocates argue that Harambe’s tragic death highlighted flaws in enclosure design and emergency response protocols. Many zoos have since reinforced barriers and re-examined their procedures for animal and visitor safety.
Harambe’s death remains a powerful symbol, sparking debates about animal captivity, human error, and our responsibility to wildlife. While opinions still differ on whether the zoo made the right call, experts agree that the incident transformed how institutions worldwide handle both gorilla habitats and human interactions with wild animals.
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