A new life, an old name... On August 31, the Philadelphia Zoo welcomed a new baby gorilla, which is the first to be born there in 20 years, according a report in the state’s newspaper, The Philadelphia Inquirer. When the zoo invited social media users to suggest names for it, the first name on everyone’s mind was “Harambe”.
In May this year, a three-year-old boy climbed into a gorilla enclosure at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden and was grabbed by a 17-year-old gorilla, Harambe. Zoo workers later shot and killed the gorilla, which stirred a global debate on whether the decision was correct or not.
After seeing the outpour on social media, the Philadelphia Zoo posted an official comment on Twitter stating that the team caring for the gorilla will come up with a list of suitable names and then the public can choose. We take a look at some of these social media posts.
(WITH PIC) @chattori13: “The return of Harambe. I can’t wait! #Harambe”
@Miggaaa_: “Wonder what the name is gonna be... #Harambe”
@ThadCollins: “There is only one choice to make @phillyzoo! Do the right thing! Be responsible! Heal this country! #Harambe”
(WITH PIC) @_yazmatazz: “#Harambe Jr.”
@CoolGuySeann: “It’s the circle of life! #Harambe”
@Joel_MacLean: “There is a contest to name a baby gorilla in Philadelphia... You get 1 guess, to guess what people have said and is winning. #Harambe”
@Wrestling_Speak: “Please for the love of God let the Philadelphia Zoo name this baby gorilla #Harambe #RIP”
@BusinessNiku: “Well the good news today is that #Harambe is back and in Philadelphia this time.”
@EdwardJoss11: “If the Philadelphia Zoo names their baby gorilla #Harambe, the Internet will have finally won.”
@leilawut: “Name this gorilla Harambe Jr.”
Apart from the suggestions on what the baby gorilla should be named, people on social media also raised their voice about the protection of animals in captivation. Others said naming the baby Harambe would ruin his legacy.
Lisa Stoller posted a picture of the baby gorilla and wrote: “This is cute, but it makes me sad. This living being will spend its entire life in an enclosure.”
Louise Wehner: “Well, let’s sure hope somebody bothers to properly inspect the enclosure this time and ensure it’s childproof… Zoos need to be safe spaces for animals AND the young families visiting them. The idea that a zoo would even have guns is abhorrent.”
Jordan Conrad: “Protect an animal from the internet? We need to protect animals from ourselves. The internet is just a place people can voice their opinion without immediately getting punched in the face for it. The internet never hurt anyone. Maybe their feelings, but that’s people’s fault for not being a functioning member of society. If you can’t function, you’ll get trampled. And if someone will kill a gorilla, expect people to make you feel bad for it for years to come. It’s life.”
Aiden Nou: “They better not name him/her after the one that got killed it needs it only legacy.”
Ryan Bengston: “People suggesting Harambe.... There is only one gorilla that was fit to have that name.”
Matt Betz: “There will never be another Harambe. #RIP”
— Compiled by Rabab Khan/Community Interactivity Editor
