Killing of Harambe facts for kids
| Date | May 28, 2016 |
|---|---|
| Time | 4:00 p.m. EDT |
| Location | Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 39°08′41″N 84°30′36″W / 39.144684°N 84.510079°W |
| Cause | Gunshot |
Harambe was a large gorilla who lived at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden in the United States. On May 28, 2016, a young boy accidentally entered Harambe's enclosure. This event led to a difficult decision by zoo officials.
Harambe was a 17-year-old Western lowland gorilla. He was a big and powerful animal. The incident was filmed and quickly became news around the world.
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What Happened to Harambe?
On May 28, 2016, a three-year-old boy climbed over a barrier. He then fell into the gorilla habitat. Harambe, the gorilla, grabbed the boy. He dragged the child through the water in the enclosure.
Zoo workers saw what was happening. They were very worried about the boy's safety. They feared for the child's life. To protect the boy, a zoo worker made the hard choice to shoot Harambe. The gorilla died from the gunshot.
Why Was This Decision Made?
The decision to kill Harambe caused a lot of discussion. Many people had strong opinions. Some people felt it was wrong to kill the gorilla. Others believed the zoo had no other choice.
Experts who study primates and animals, like primatologists and conservationists, supported the zoo's actions. They said that in such a dangerous situation, the zoo had to act quickly. They believed the zoo did the right thing to save the boy.
Public Reaction and Investigation
The video of the event spread widely online. Many people shared their thoughts and feelings. The boy's mother received a lot of negative comments on the internet.
Officials in Ohio looked into the situation. They decided that the mother had not done anything wrong. The zoo also faced investigations. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) checked the zoo's safety rules. The USDA also investigated. These groups set standards for how zoos should operate.
Well-known animal experts, such as Jack Hanna and Jane Goodall, spoke out. They agreed with the zoo's decision. They said it was necessary to protect the child.
Images for kids
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A memorial for Harambe at the Cincinnati Zoo, June 12, 2016
