In 2016, the world mourned when 17-year-old gorilla Harambe was shot at the Cincinnati Zoo after a boy fell into his enclosure. Video of the incident left people torn—was Harambe protecting the child, or was danger unavoidable?
Experts say he may have shown care, but his immense strength made the risk too great. The zoo’s choice to use lethal force, while heartbreaking, was made to save the boy’s life.
The tragedy sparked global debates on zoo safety, animal rights, and captivity. Since then, zoos have redesigned enclosures and tightened safety protocols.
Harambe’s story endures as a painful reminder of the fragile line between human safety and animal welfare.
