The gorilla that was killed after a child fell into its enclosure was named
Harambe. This incident occurred on May 28, 2016, at the Cincinnati Zoo. A three-year-old boy fell into the enclosure, and a zoo official shot and killed the western lowland gorilla to save the child’s life, as tranquillizing the animal was considered too risky.
- The incident: A young boy climbed over a barrier and fell into the gorilla exhibit, where he was grabbed and dragged by Harambe.
- Zoo’s decision: The zoo’s Dangerous Animal Response Team made the difficult decision to kill Harambe, stating the boy’s life was in imminent danger because the gorilla was a powerful and agitated animal.
- Outcome for the child: The boy was hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was later released.
- Public reaction: The incident sparked widespread public outcry, debate over the decision to kill Harambe, and calls for greater accountability from the boy’s parents, with many petitioning for “Justice for Harambe”.
