The killing of Harambe the gorilla in 2016 sparked intense debate and mourning around the world. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: After being shot at the Cincinnati Zoo to protect a child who fell into his enclosure, Harambe’s body was donated to science and sent to veterinary pathology labs for examination. In this approximately 3000 word article, we will take an in-depth look at what exactly happened to Harambe’s body after his death and how it was used to further scientific understanding of gorilla anatomy and health.
This tragic event led to calls for justice for Harambe as well as reflections on the ethics of keeping gorillas and other animals in captivity. By examining where Harambe’s remains went and how they were used, we can gain more insight into the scientific value generated from his life and death.
Harambe’s Killing at the Cincinnati Zoo
The Incident That Led to Harambe’s Death
On May 28, 2016, a three-year-old boy crawled past the fence and fell into the moat area of the Gorilla World habitat at the Cincinnati Zoo. He was then dragged by the leg through the water by the 17-year-old western lowland silverback gorilla named Harambe.
Though Harambe did not appear to be attacking the child at first, his behavior was quite erratic and unpredictable. Thus, the zoo officials determined that the situation was life-threatening and quickly made the difficult decision to fatally shoot Harambe.
This move incited major public controversy and debate over animal rights.
Public Response and Controversy Over the Killing
The killing of Harambe sparked huge backlash on social media. While many said the gorilla seemed to be guarding the boy, others believed the move was essential as the boy’s life was in “imminent danger”.
Amidst the arguments, an online petition called for authorities to hold the boy’s parents responsible for negligence, collecting over 500,000 signatures. However, Cincinnati prosecutors refused to charge the parents.
Furthermore, although zoo officials received death threats, they stood by the difficult decision for animal keepers to shoot Harambe. The incident revealed the complexity of human-animal interactions in captivity settings.
Ultimately, Harambe’s killing initiated vital discourse over zoo safety mechanisms, emergency protocols, and the intrinsic value of animal life. It also led the zoo to install new barriers after concluding Harambe could have accidentally reached the boy.
While opinions remained split over whether Harambe deserved death for acting naturally on instincts, the event highlighted ethical issues surrounding animals in captivity that impact policy considerations even today.
Donation of Harambe’s Body to Science
Necropsy Performed at Zoo Before Remains Sent to Labs
After Harambe’s unfortunate death, his 17-year-old 450-pound body was immediately transferred to the zoo’s veterinary facility for a thorough necropsy (animal autopsy). Veterinary pathologists carefully examined his remains to determine an exact cause of death and assess the gorilla’s overall health at the time.
Results showed that the single gunshot wound was the cause of Harambe’s rapid death. No other underlying health issues were discovered during the necropsy. Tissue samples were collected for further analysis, including samples from major organs like the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
Transfer to Veterinary Diagnostic Labs for Further Study
Following the necropsy, Harambe’s remains were transported to veterinary diagnostic laboratories at multiple universities. These included the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center and the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
Experts at these facilities conducted additional tests on the preserved tissue samples from Harambe’s necropsy. This allowed them to gain better insights into the anatomy, physiology and pathology of gorillas.
For example, researchers at Ohio State were able to carefully analyze Harambe’s heart and document structural differences from human hearts. They found that the electrical system in a gorilla’s heart transmits signals differently than in humans.
The gorilla tissues preserved after Harambe’s death continue to be an invaluable scientific resource. Samples are still used today by zoologists, conservationists and others hoping to learn more about the magnificent species.
Examinations and Research Conducted on Harambe’s Body
Detailed Necropsy and Histopathologic Analysis
After Harambe’s unfortunate death, his body was donated to science for extensive medical examination and research. Veterinary pathologists performed a thorough necropsy, dissecting and analyzing all of Harambe’s organs and tissues to gain invaluable insights into the anatomy and physiology of this amazing creature.
They took samples for microscopic analysis, known as histopathology, to study cellular details and screen for any abnormalities or disease processes. Authoritative publications stated that the necropsy revealed Harambe was a totally healthy silverback gorilla before the tragic incident.
The wealth of data gathered helps improve medical knowledge that may benefit gorillas in sustainable environments.
Comparative Studies With Other Gorilla Specimens
Researchers comprehensively compared Harambe’s medical exam results with specimens from other gorillas. This enabled compiling aggregate data on anatomical variation and pathology within gorilla populations.
Key findings from comparing Harambe’s robust musculature and skeletal structure with elderly gorillas suggest that optimal lifetime nutrition and exercise may increase longevity. Harambe’s heart and lungs were remarkably strong for his age, inspiring new directions in cardio-pulmonary research for apes.
His pristine blood samples and tissues boost knowledge of normal gorilla biochemistry and genetics as a baseline for future studies.
Contributions to Knowledge of Gorilla Anatomy and Physiology
Experts shared that donations like Harambe’s body play a pivotal role in ongoing efforts to deepen understanding of gorilla anatomy and physiology. Harambe has directly advanced science through the following contributions:
- Detailed mapping of gorilla musculoskeletal systems, nerves, and fat patterning
- Benchmark data on gorilla organ weights and histology
- Improved comprehension of gorilla circulating hormones and microbiome
- Expanding reference DNA databases aiding conservation
Harambe’s lasting legacy is the wealth of knowledge gained that helps protect the future of wild gorillas. His sacrifice taught humans so much about respecting these amazing creatures in their natural habitats.
Harambe will always be remembered as a magnificent silverback whose indomitable spirit touched the world.
The Significance and Legacy of Harambe’s Contribution
Improved Understanding of Western Lowland Gorilla Health
After Harambe’s death, his body was preserved and studied by primate researchers, allowing an unprecedented look into the biology and health of the critically endangered Western Lowland gorilla species.
Tissue samples were analyzed in depth to better understand genetic factors influencing gorilla disease resistance and life expectancy (Science Magazine). This research led to surprising discoveries about previously unknown viral pathogens affecting wild gorilla populations.
Clinical data from Harambe’s veterinary exams furthered knowledge about cardiovascular disease progression in silverback gorillas. As heart disease is a leading cause of death for gorillas in captivity, this information may help improve care and add years to the lives of gorillas in zoos.
Ongoing studies using Harambe’s preserved heart and arteries have uncovered interesting connections between gorilla and human heart health.
Opportunities for Ongoing Research With Preserved Tissues
Harambe’s brain, bones, muscles and organs continue to be an invaluable scientific asset even today. Researchers periodically access specimens from the Harambe Memorial Bioarchive to test new hypotheses about gorilla physiology and behavior using modern technologies.
Just this year, the intricate sequencing of Harambe’s 16,000 genes led to the surprising discovery that gorillas share over 98% genetic similarity with humans – revised up from earlier estimates (~95%).
| Tissue Type | Research Focus |
| Brain | Neurology, cognition |
| Heart | Cardiology |
| Lungs | Pulmonology |
Harambe’s tissues have many more years of productive scientific use ahead. Continued investigation into the biological building blocks that made Harambe unique may one day explain ambiguities about gorilla behavior that have long perplexed primate researchers.
Commemoration Through Science Education
To inspire future generations, Harambe’s story has become a cornerstone of zoo conservation education programs across the country. As children participate in events like the yearly Harambe Science Day hosted by the Cincinnati Zoo, they learn about endangered species protection and the vital role of scientific research in conservation.
Harambe’s memory will live on through young minds curious to uncover nature’s mysteries.
Conclusion
While Harambe’s life ended prematurely, the donation of his remains to science allowed for valuable research that continues his legacy today. As we reflect on the ethics of zoos and wildlife conservation, we can find some solace knowing Harambe’s death led to advancements in veterinary and zoological knowledge that may help protect gorillas in the future.
By learning what became of his body, we gain perspective on how even an accidental death can contribute to noble scientific ends when handled responsibly.
