Archive · 5 Sep 2025
Harambe's Legacy: From Cincinnati Zoo to Internet Meme
In 2016, a young boy fell into the enclosure of Harambe, a gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo.
Harambe interacted with the boy, but the zoo decided to shoot and kill the gorilla to save the child.
This event sparked a huge online reaction, with many people upset about Harambe's death.
The incident quickly became a meme, with Harambe's name and image being used humorously online.
Despite the sad circumstances, Harambe became a symbol of internet culture.
Even years later, people still remember Harambe through memes and discussions, highlighting how online culture can transform a sad event.
A 17-year-old gorilla named Harambe was killed at the Cincinnati Zoo.
A three-year-old boy entered Harambe's enclosure, leading to the incident.
Zookeepers shot Harambe to protect the child.
The event became a viral internet sensation and a meme.
Harambe's legacy continues to be remembered online.
- Who
- Harambe, a western lowland gorilla, and a young boy.
- What
- Harambe was shot and killed after a boy entered his enclosure.
- When
- May 28, 2016
- Where
- Cincinnati Zoo
- Why
- Zookeepers feared for the child's life after he entered the enclosure.
- Gorilla's Name
- Harambe
- Age
- 17 years old
- Weight
- Nearly 400 pounds
- Incident Date
- May 28, 2016
- Location
- Cincinnati Zoo
- Species
- Western lowland gorilla