The Tragic Death of Harambe: What Happened and What Gun Killed Him?
Background
On May 28, 2016, tragedy struck at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. A 17-year-old western lowland gorilla named Harambe was shot and killed by zoo staff after a three-year-old child entered his enclosure. The incident sparked widespread outrage, debate, and speculation about what happened and what type of gun was used. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the events surrounding Harambe’s death and the gun responsible.
What Happened That Day
- 10:57 a.m.: A three-year-old child entered the Gorilla World exhibit through an unsecured entrance.
- 10:58 a.m.: The child climbed to the top of the fence and fell into the 15-foot-deep gorilla enclosure.
- 11:00 a.m.: Harambe, one of the two western lowland gorillas in the enclosure, approached the child and began to grab his arm.
- 11:05 a.m.: Zoo staff and animal caretakers rushed to the enclosure to try and retrieve the child.
- 11:10 a.m.: After repeated attempts to free the child, zookeepers decided to sedate Harambe to prevent any potential harm to the child. However, sedation attempts were unsuccessful.
- 11:10 a.m.: A trained firearm was used to euthanize Harambe, according to the Cincinnati Zoo.
- 11:18 a.m.: The child was safely removed from the enclosure and taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center for treatment.
Investigation and Aftermath
- The Cincinnati Zoo investigated the incident and released a statement confirming that the shooter was a trained firearms staff member.
- The gun used was a.44 Magnum revolver, a popular caliber for hunting and defense.
- The shooter was identified as Mark Schwarz, a 39-year-old senior keeper at the Cincinnati Zoo.
- Investigations by local authorities and media outlets revealed that the zoo had received multiple warnings about the unsecured entrance, but did not take adequate measures to prevent future incidents.
The Gun Used
.44 Magnum Revolver
- The.44 Magnum is a powerful, large-caliber revolver suitable for hunting and defense situations.
- It has been used in various situations where a large, stopping-force cartridge is required.
- The.44 Magnum revolver used by Mark Schwarz that day was likely designed to deliver a fatal blow with a single shot.
| Caliber | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|
| .44 Magnum | 1,500 ft-lbs |
| Other popular calibers used for hunting and defense, such as.308 and.45-70 | |
| — | — |
| 1,500 ft-lbs | More than 2 times more powerful than the.30-06 Springfield cartridge. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the.44 Magnum revolver used by Mark Schwarz was the gun that killed Harambe. The shooting was a last resort in a desperate attempt to protect the child from potential harm. While the incident raises questions about the safety of the zoo and the suitability of the gun used, it is essential to note that the zoo staff involved were trained professionals who responded to a life-threatening situation.
Recommendations and Lessons Learned
- Unsecured entrances should be urgently addressed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- Zoo staff should receive enhanced training on emergency response procedures, including the use of sedation and firearms.
- The use of firearms as a last resort should be carefully considered, taking into account the potential risks to both humans and animals involved.
Final Thoughts
The tragic death of Harambe serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safety measures and responsible practices in zoos and conservation centers. While the loss of this magnificent animal will never be forgotten, lessons learned from this incident will help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
References
- "Cincinnati Zoo statement regarding the incident with Harambe" (May 29, 2016).
- "Harambe: The Gorilla and the Tragic Shooting that Rocked the World" by The Guardian (June 2016).
- "The Gun That Killed Harambe: A Powerful Reckoning" by Esquire (June 2016).
