Remains Of Harambe Will Be Used For Genetic And Reproductive Research For Gorillas

Harambe, the gorilla that was shot dead by the zookeepers in order to save a boy who fell into his exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo will not get a burial. Instead, his remains, which are still at the zoo, while be used for scientific research.

According to Cincinnati, using his body for research may help scientists solve genetic problems that are faced by gorillas. 

"There's a future," Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden director Thane Maynard said during a press conference Monday afternoon. "It's not the end of his gene pool."

Moreover, his sperm will be used for the zoo's Center for Conservation and Research Endangered Wildlife's assisted reproductive programs. The sperm may be used for research on artificial insemination and frozen sperm.

This may prove significant in Harambe's case, especially because he only turned 17 before the fatal shooting. At his age, he has not yet attained breeding maturity. By getting his sperm, zoo officials have hopes of breeding him in the future. 

Harambe' remains can aid a number of scientists who are working on genetic issues linked to gorillas. Most of the scientists already contacted the zoo to inquire about the remains and determine other possible uses. Some claimed that the remains can also be helpful for storing tissue for future research.

Harambe has been the talk of the town after he was shot by zookeepers alleging they need to do it to save the boy, as reported by CNN. While the family of the boy is happy that the kid is safe, the zookeepers also earned a lot of critics. Many think that they should have not delivered a fatal shot, especially since there might be other options available.

Harambe only turning 17 a couple of days ago also made people angry that he is now dead. Some also argued that it is the boy and his mom's carelessness that triggered the tragedy and Harambe lost his life as a result.

Dan Van Coppenolle, the man who named Harambe when he was still a baby, said that he hopes what happened to Harambe served as an important reason.  

"Harambe's name can be a reminder for all of us to work together, pull together, help each other, share, and care not just for each other, but for all of God's creations," he said. 
He then expressed his personal wish for Harambe's remains. It seems some of this will come true. 

"From a personal perspective, I hope Harambe's remains can be returned to his homeland in Africa. But I am optimistic that even this won't be the end of Harambe's story," he said. "Instead, I hope that the headlines and discussion of what happened will help increase awareness of -- and perhaps fundraising efforts for -- the endangered African lowland gorillas still in their native habitat," he added.