On a warm afternoon in May, a three-year-old boy climbed into the gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden in Ohio. Harambe, a 17-year-old western lowland gorilla, grabbed the boy, causing immediate concern among zoo staff and visitors. In response to the situation, and fearing for the child's safety, the zoo director authorized the use of lethal force to tranquilize Harambe, resulting in his death. The gorilla was shot within minutes of the incident, and the boy was rescued with non-life-threatening injuries. This decisive action was taken amid fears that Harambe could seriously harm the child during the encounter.

The incident was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, sparking outrage among animal rights activists and raising questions regarding the ethical treatment of zoo animals. Many called for better barriers to prevent such occurrences and questioned the decision to shoot Harambe instead of using tranquilizers. In the days following, the backlash against the zoo intensified, leading to protests and debates about the responsibilities of parents and zoos in ensuring safety.

In the wake of the incident, various memes emerged online, further fueling the public's reaction. Harambe became a symbol of both the downfalls of captivity and a cautionary tale about child safety. The case was the subject of numerous articles and discussions, highlighting the complexities involved in wildlife conservation and human-animal interactions in zoos.