White House Pays Bizarre Tribute to Harambe on 10th Anniversary
In a surprising move, the White House has posted a tribute on social media to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Harambe, the western lowland gorilla shot at the Cincinnati Zoo. The post, published on what would have been his 27th birthday, described the primate as 'a true patriot' and 'an icon that became part of internet history, American culture, and an entire generation's timeline.'
Harambe was killed on May 28, 2016, after a three-year-old boy named Isaiah Dickerson climbed into his enclosure. The child had scaled a fence, crawled through a hedge, and dropped 15 feet into the gorilla habitat. Video footage showed Harambe pulling the boy through water. The child suffered only minor injuries, but zoo security staff made the decision to shoot the 400-pound silverback.
The incident quickly became a viral sensation, spawning countless memes, tributes, music, and even calls to rename sports teams after Harambe. It also led to safety improvements at the Cincinnati Zoo, which reopened the gorilla exhibit a year later with higher walls and additional barriers.
White House Post Draws Attention
The White House's 123-word memorial post evoked the aftermath of the event, stating: 'He became a symbol of loyalty, strength, chaos, unity, and the strange beauty of the internet bringing millions of people together for one cause: never forgetting Harambe.' The post added, '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.'
The tribute drew criticism for its timing and tone, especially given that the White House remained silent when former Vice President Dick Cheney died in November. Critics also noted the bizarre nature of honoring an animal while ignoring significant human figures.
Harambe's Background and Aftermath
Harambe was born in captivity at a zoo in Brownsville, Texas, in May 1999. After his death, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump commented on the incident, saying it was 'so beautiful to watch' Harambe with the child. He added that he would not criticize zoo staff for their decision to shoot the gorilla, stating, 'I don't think they had a choice.'
The White House post has reignited discussions about internet culture, animal rights, and the priorities of the current administration. While some saw the tribute as a harmless nod to a viral moment, others viewed it as a misplaced use of official channels.
