“One Day, Harambe”

I had been thinking about a poem for Harambe ever since I heard about the 2016 incident at Cincinnati Zoo. I saw that a documentary had been made was being shown as part of the first Harambe Day, 28 May 2024 and decided to finish the poem to coincide with the Day. I watched a replay of a video conference for the Day and got to know the Director Eric Crown, and to see ‘Conservation Game’ heroes of mine, Jeff Kremer and Tim Harrison, others involved, but especially Jeff McCurry, photographer. See his Copyright photos because of the special relationship he had with Harambe, and how he captured his character. It’s worth listening to his stories as well. It’s hard to think of how he must have been affected when his friend was shot that day. It still affects many around the world: here’s hoping it affects them into action against keeping sentient beings in captivity.

Image:  Jeff McCurry / Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Jeff McCurry speaks about his friend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpA2jyyFkvo

Harambe movie website https://harambemovie.com