Justice for Harambe: Investigate Circumstances Leading to Gorilla’s Death By Lethal Force

Target: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost

Goal: Hold those allegedly responsible for the tragic death of Harambe accountable.

The heartbreaking shooting of Harambe, a 17-year-old Western lowland silverback gorilla, at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2016 continues to resonate throughout society nine years later. Harambe was shot after a young boy reportedly climbed through a public barrier and fell into his enclosure, leading to chaos as the gorilla began dragging the child. In the midst of a critical decision-making moment, zoo authorities shot and killed Harambe, sparking outrage and calls for justice from animal rights advocates and the public alike.

In the aftermath of this tragic incident, scrutiny fell not only on the actions of the zoo but also on the boy’s mother, who faced allegations related to insufficient supervision. While the zoo’s Dangerous Animal Response Team made the difficult choice to protect the child, questions arose regarding whether lethal force was truly necessary and whether alternate methods, such as tranquilization, were sufficiently considered. Despite public outcry and widespread debate, an Ohio prosecutor opted not to charge the mother, raising concerns about accountability for actions that may have contributed to this devastating event.

This petition seeks to reexamine the decisions made and hold accountable those who may have played a role in the circumstances leading to Harambe’s death. Proper accountability is essential to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to ensure the protection of vulnerable animals. Consequently, the demand is clear: the actions surrounding the decision-making process that led to Harambe’s death must be fully investigated and appropriate consequences applied to those allegedly responsible.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear AG Yost,

Harambe’s tragic death at the Cincinnati Zoo after being shot to save a young boy has left an indelible mark on our society, raising significant concerns about parental accountability and the decisions made by zoo officials in a moment of crisis. On May 28, 2016, a three-year-old boy reportedly climbed through a public barrier and fell fifteen feet into the gorilla’s moat, leading to the decision to kill a beloved animal in the interest of saving a child’s life. While the rapid response of the zoo’s Dangerous Animal Response Team was commendable, the choice to use lethal force has been questioned, sparking widespread outcry.

The aftermath of Harambe’s death has not only ignited a national conversation about animal rights and public safety but has also raised critical questions regarding parental responsibility. The mother of the child faced public backlash for allegedly not supervising her son closely enough, yet, in June 2016, it was decided that no charges would be brought against her. This decision has left many feeling that accountability has not been served, particularly given that this incident may have been preventable had appropriate supervision been exercised.

It is imperative to address these concerns and ensure that justice is served for Harambe, whose life was cut short under such tragic circumstances. We urge you to reconsider the decisions made in the aftermath of this incident and demand appropriate accountability for those involved. This step is crucial not only for honoring Harambe’s memory but also for preventing such distressing events in the future.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Pixabay