Harambe, a 17-year-old gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo, was killed in 2016 after a young boy fell into his enclosure—a decision that sparked worldwide debate.
Some experts believe Harambe was acting protectively, while others argue zookeepers had no choice, since tranquilizers might not have worked fast enough to save the child.
The tragedy left lasting questions: Should animals like Harambe be kept in captivity? How can zoos keep both animals and visitors safe? And what responsibility falls on humans in such moments?
Nearly a decade later, Harambe’s death still shapes how we think about conservation, ethics, and our relationship with wildlife.
