The White House under the administration of Donald Trump honored the memory of Harambe, the gorilla that gained fame as a viral meme, in a peculiar social media tribute. The official US government account on Twitter paid homage to Harambe, referring to him as a “true patriot,” following his tragic death at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden in Ohio. Harambe was fatally shot by zoo staff after he pulled a young child into his enclosure, sparking widespread attention and online tributes.
The post, shared by the White House account, described Harambe as more than just a meme, highlighting his symbolic significance and the unity he brought to internet users. The message reminisced about the impact of Harambe’s death, emphasizing that his legacy continues to resonate even a decade later. The tribute concluded with a heartfelt message, honoring Harambe’s memory and expressing that he will always remain in their hearts.
The incident involving Harambe and the child had captured the attention of then-presidential candidate Trump, who remarked on the situation during a press conference. While acknowledging the difficult decision zoo staff faced in shooting Harambe, Trump expressed regret that there was no alternative solution, noting the potential danger posed to the child.
Harambe, a 17-year-old gorilla born in captivity in Texas, met a tragic end a decade ago but continues to be remembered fondly. The White House’s online presence has been notably focused on memes since Trump’s return to office, showcasing a range of AI-generated content, including imagery of Trump as a Star Wars character.
