Harambe: A True Crime Documentary Like No Other
Was Harambe just trying to protect a young boy? And, what does it all say about those animal prisons called zoos?
Hollywood, California., August 12, 2024 – In May 2016, the tragic death of Harambe, a critically endangered silverback gorilla, shocked the world. After a young boy accidentally fell into Harambe’s enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo, the gorilla was fatally shot by zookeepers fearing for the child’s safety. This incident sparked international outrage and ignited a vital conversation about the dark side of animal captivity.
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The Incident That Shook the World
Harambe’s death shattered the illusion of safety within the walls of captivity. The viral video of the incident showed Harambe with the child. Many said the gorilla seemed to be trying to protect the child, which raised questions about the necessity and morality of the lethal action taken by the zoo. Many argued that non-lethal measures, such as tranquilizers, could have been used instead.
Harambe’s story forced the public to confront the harsh realities faced by animals in captivity. The documentary, now streaming on UnchainedTV, confronts these issues, exploring the psychological and physical impacts on animals of a life lived behind bars.
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Uncovering the Truth
Featuring rare, unreleased photos and videos of Harambe, the film provides a closer look at his life and the events leading up to his death. With narration by famed British actor Peter Egan and interviews with wildlife experts like Will Travers and Dame Virginia McKenna of the Born Free Foundation, the document presents new evidence suggesting that Harambe was trying to protect the child, not harm him.
Harambe’s photographer, Jeff McCurry, whose viral photo of Harambe became an iconic meme, shares his personal insights into the gorilla’s character. McCurry’s investigation into the incident led to his permanent ban from the Cincinnati Zoo, highlighting the contentious nature of this case.
The Bigger Picture: Zoos and Animal Rights
 Harambe’s death brought to light the broader issues of animal captivity. The documentary challenges long-held beliefs about zoos, exposing their colonial roots and the concept of Zoochosis—psychological issues amongst animals caused by their confinement. As Richard O’Barry, founder of the Dolphin Project, stated, “This abusive industry is based on supply and demand. Government won’t help the animals since they, too, profit from the captivity industry. An educated consumer is the only hope.”
The film has drawn comparisons with “Blackfish,” which documented the plight of orcas in captivity. Both films underscore the need for systemic change. Activists and experts argue for alternative conservation methods that do not involve keeping animals in captivity. Zoos, they say, need to be either shut down entirely or transformed into genuine sanctuaries, where the needs of the animals are the top priority and animals are not used as commodities to be put on display, bred and traded.
Moving Forward: Harambe’s Legacy
Harambe’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the ethical dilemmas surrounding animal captivity. The documentary aims to ignite discussions among activists, NGOs, and the public to create a future where such tragedies are prevented. A portion of the proceeds from the film will support NGOs like The Gorilla Organization, which works to help gorillas in the wild.
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