What Species of Gorilla Was Harambe
Harambe was a male western lowland gorilla, a subspecies of the western gorilla. He was born at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas, on May 27, 1999, and later transferred to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Western lowland gorillas are the most numerous gorilla subspecies, yet they remain critically endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List IUCN Red List - Western Lowland Gorilla.
The western lowland gorilla is distinguished by its slightly smaller size, brown-gray coat, and auburn chest. Males, like Harambe, develop a silver back when they mature. The Cincinnati Zoo confirmed Harambe's identity and subspecies in its official statements following the incident, noting his role in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) managed population Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accredited Institutions.
Why Harambe's Species Is Critically Endangered
The western lowland gorilla faces severe threats from habitat loss, poaching, and disease, including Ebola. The IUCN estimates a population decline of more than 60 percent over the last 20 to 25 years, qualifying the subspecies for a critically endangered status IUCN Red List - Western Lowland Gorilla.
Conservation programs focus on protected areas in Central Africa, including the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Cameroon. Zoos accredited by the AZA participate in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for western lowland gorillas, which manages breeding to maintain genetic diversity. Harambe's birth and life were part of this coordinated effort to ensure a sustainable captive population Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plans.
What Happened to Harambe at the Cincinnati Zoo
On May 28, 2016, a three-year-old boy climbed into Harambe's enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo. The gorilla dragged and held the child, and zoo officials made the decision to shoot and kill Harambe to protect the child's life. The incident drew immediate global attention and intense public debate about zoo safety protocols and the treatment of gorillas in captivity Cincinnati Zoo Official Animal History - Harambe.
Following Harambe's death, the Cincinnati Zoo implemented new safety measures, including upgraded barrier systems and revised emergency response procedures. The incident also prompted broader discussions among AZA-accredited institutions about enclosure design, guest safety, and the ethical standards for keeping critically endangered great apes in human care Cincinnati Zoo Official Animal History - Harambe.