The White House recently paid tribute to Harambe, the gorilla whose death at the Cincinnati Zoo a decade ago sparked widespread debate and became a viral phenomenon. In a social media post, the White House described Harambe as “a true patriot” and noted the enduring fascination with the western lowland silverback gorilla.

Remembering Harambe

Harambe was killed on May 28, 2016, after a 3-year-old boy climbed into his enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo. The incident, captured on video, showed Harambe dragging the child through water, prompting zoo officials to make the difficult decision to shoot the gorilla to protect the boy. The child suffered minor injuries.

The White House’s tribute, posted on what would have been Harambe’s 27th birthday, highlighted how the gorilla became a symbol of various qualities, including loyalty and strength. The post emphasized the unity and chaos that the internet brought together in remembering Harambe, stating, “Everyone remembers where they were when they heard the news. And somehow, a decade later, his legacy still lives on. Gone, but never forgotten. Rest easy to a true patriot.”

Public Reaction and Legacy

The incident quickly became a global viral sensation, sparking debates over zoo safety, parenting, and animal rights. Harambe’s story inspired numerous online tributes, memes, and social media campaigns. Former Hamilton County prosecutor and current Ohio Supreme Court Justice Joe Deters recalled the intense public reaction, noting that it was unlike anything he had experienced before.

Deters explained that the decision not to pursue criminal charges against the boy’s mother was straightforward, stating, “It wasn’t even close to being negligent in my mind.” He added, “Harambe was a beautiful animal, but this is a 3-year-old kid.” The case drew international attention, with letters arriving from Europe and South America.

Harambe was born in captivity in Brownsville, Texas, in 1999. The incident also caught the attention of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, who commented on the situation, acknowledging the beauty and danger of the interaction between Harambe and the child. Trump expressed understanding of the zoo officials’ decision, emphasizing the priority of the child’s safety.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.