The death of Harambe, a 17-year-old gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo, continues to stir emotions and debate. After a young boy fell into his enclosure, zoo officials made the painful decision to shoot Harambe to protect the child. Experts agree it was a tragic but necessary choice, citing the unpredictability of gorilla behavior in high-stress situations.
Animal behaviorists stress that while Harambe sometimes appeared protective, his actions were too unpredictable to risk the child’s life. The event has prompted calls for stronger zoo safety measures—taller barriers, better surveillance, and faster emergency protocols.
It also reignited ethical questions about keeping intelligent animals like gorillas in captivity. While some argue zoos are vital for education and conservation, others believe such animals can never thrive in enclosures.
Harambe’s story remains a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between human safety and animal welfare.
