Harambe, the gorilla whose untimely death sparked widespread online tributes, would have reached the age of 27 this Thursday. Marking this occasion, the White House paid homage to “the legend” with an extensive tribute.
This unusual commemoration appeared on X late Wednesday night, coinciding with the eve of Harambe’s death anniversary, now a decade past.
In its tribute, the western lowland gorilla was hailed as a “true patriot” and a representation of “American culture.”
“Today, we honor a legend,” the White House declared.
“He became a symbol of loyalty, strength, chaos, unity, and the captivating power of the internet, which united millions in one cause: to never forget Harambe.”
On May 28, 2016, Harambe was tragically shot at the Cincinnati Zoo in a frantic effort to rescue a 4-year-old boy who had fallen into the gorilla’s enclosure. Bystanders recorded the scene as Harambe dragged the child through a stream within the exhibit.
Zoo staff tried to order Harambe to back away and opened fire when it refused.
“Everyone remembers where they were when they heard the news. And somehow, a decade later, his legacy still lives on,” the post concluded. “Gone, but never forgotten. Forever in our hearts.”
A cult-like following quickly latched onto the “Justice for Harambe’’ movement, whose memes transcended more modern fads like “6-7.”
A candlelight vigil held in London five months after the ape’s death attracted hundreds of fans. The insanity even crossed over into America’s professional sports, with online retailer Fanatics approving the sale of “Harambe” jerseys for the 2016 MLB and NFL seasons.
The rise of Harambe coincided with the tail-end of President Trump’s first presidential campaign. Just days after the gorilla was gunned down, Trump weighed in on the shooting.
“I thought it was so beautiful to watch that, you know, powerful, almost 500-pound gorilla, the way he dealt with that little boy,” Trump said at the time.
“But it just takes one second — one second — it’s not like it takes place over — well, he’s going to do it in 30 seconds from now. It just takes one little flick of his finger. And I will tell you they probably had no choice.”
Snap polls ahead of the 2016 election indicated that up to 5% of voters would have rather cast a ballot for Harambe over Trump and Hillary Clinton.
