‘True patriot’: White House pays bizarre tribute to Harambe 10 years after gorilla’s death
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- The White House posted a tribute on social media marking the 10th anniversary of the death of Harambe, a western lowland gorilla shot at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2016 after a toddler entered his enclosure.
- The post described Harambe as “a true patriot” and an icon of internet culture, highlighting his lasting legacy and the widespread public reaction to the incident.
- Harambe was killed after three-year-old Isaiah Dickerson fell into the enclosure, prompting zoo staff to shoot the gorilla to protect the child, who sustained only minor injuries.
- The incident became a viral sensation, inspiring memes, tributes, and calls for sports teams to be renamed, while also leading to enhanced safety measures at the zoo’s gorilla habitat.
- Former President Donald Trump commented on the event at the time, describing the interaction as “beautiful” and refraining from criticizing the zoo staff’s decision to shoot Harambe.