White House calls Harambe the gorilla ‘a true patriot’ in tribute post

WorldPolitics
28 May 2026 • 9:06 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

White House calls Harambe the gorilla ‘a true patriot’ in tribute post

  • The White House faced online mockery after publishing a lengthy social media tribute to Harambe, a gorilla who was fatally shot at the Cincinnati Zoo a decade ago.
  • Harambe was killed on May 28, 2016, by zoo workers attempting to save a three-year-old boy who had fallen into his habitat, an event that quickly sparked an internet backlash.
  • In its post, shared late Wednesday night, the White House described Harambe as a "true patriot" and a "symbol of loyalty, strength, chaos, unity," marking the upcoming 10-year anniversary of his death.
  • The tribute also stated, "Everyone remembers where they were when they heard the news," acknowledging Harambe's status as a viral internet meme and the widespread online reaction to his killing.
  • One person posted, “Reddit occupied government,” while another wrote, “Glad to see the White House is laser-focused on the key issues of the day.”

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