On the Anniversary of Harambe's Death, Twitter Makes Memes and Aussie Orangutans Escape Their Enclosure in Tribute

Today marks one year since the death (or murder?) of Cincinnati Zoo's famous Western lowland gorilla, Harambe.

Harambe was tragically executed by the zoo's staff on May 28, 2016 (though it was technically already the 29th here in Australia), after a young boy had fallen into the enclosure. Harambe, confused by the commotion, dragged the young boy around the enclosure which led to him being shot and killed.

Many mourned the death and questioned whether it was necessary to kill the 17-year-old animal and how the boy's parent had allowed the child to scale the enclosure's fence and fall in.

But one year later, Harambe's legend continues to live on in many people's hearts. Many took to Twitter to offer their respects.

A year ago today we lost you, but a year later we have not forgotten. Bless up, rest easy Harambe. pic.twitter.com/UV9fZf7ee4

— Lochlann (@Lochlann_G) May 28, 2017

Heroes get remembered, but legends never die #NeverForget #harambe pic.twitter.com/sKVHuORoc5

— Z.HOPF (@zhopf) May 28, 2017

World: Remember Harambe on the anniversary of his murder.
Me: Don't need to remember if you have never forgotten.#Harambe pic.twitter.com/FPWLGEVA1p

— Ross Urry (@CrohnsNinja) May 28, 2017

I hope you are all planning something in your Memorial Day celebrations to honor #Harambe, assassinated one year ago this weekend.

— Jesse L (@ReformedintheQT) May 27, 2017

One year ago today heaven gained an angel #Harambe pic.twitter.com/IZGYNicJ3m

— Barstool Blue (@BarstoolUofM) May 28, 2017

No word from Cincinnati Zoo yet on the anniversary of his death, but that didn't stop people from reminding them.

@CincinnatiZoo Doesn't forgive what you did 1 year ago today

— Carter Moles (@cmolessportsfan) May 28, 2017

@CincinnatiZoo pic.twitter.com/nD6B3nTCid

— Master_Waffles (@Master_Waffles) May 28, 2017

@CincinnatiZoo pic.twitter.com/BfQVUmAqf2

— Frankie (@F619sd) May 28, 2017

Meanwhile, in Perth, Australia, two adorable orangutans briefly escaped their enclosures at Perth Zoo on the day of the Australian anniversary. It was obviously a classic case of Harambe solidarity.

The mother orangutan went to retrieve her child after it had fallen in the enclosure. It then began to scale the enclosure's barrier and joined onlookers on the zoo's boardwalk.

The zoo quarantined the surrounding areas and some visitors were evacuated to the nocturnal house, perhaps to avoid a Harambe-type situation, but thankfully, the orangutans were returned to the enclosure without any incident.

It truly is the circle of life.

Photo: Cincinnati Zoo