zoo
10 years since Harambe's death: Gorilla's memory lives on at Brownsville's Gladys Porter Zoo
By ValleyCentral
· May 28, 2026
· 1 min read
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On May 28, 2016, a 17-year-old Western Lowland Gorilla named Harambe was shot and killed at the Cincinnati Zoo after a child fell into his enclosure. But before tragedy struck, Harambe lived at Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville , Texas, for 15 years. Born May 27, ...
Key takeaway But before tragedy struck, Harambe lived at Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas, for 15 years.
Why this matters in The Brownsville
The legacy of Harambe continues to resonate with the community in Brownsville, where he spent 15 formative years at Gladys Porter Zoo. As the city reflects on the gorilla's life, it's a reminder of the significant role the zoo plays in the region's cultural and educational landscape. Gladys Porter Zoo is a beloved institution in Brownsville, attracting visitors from across the Rio Grande Valley and providing a unique opportunity for locals to engage with wildlife. The zoo's efforts in conservation and education are crucial in a region where the intersection of human and animal habitats is a pressing concern, particularly in the face of Gulf hurricanes and environmental changes. As the community honors Harambe's memory, it also acknowledges the importance of institutions like Gladys Porter Zoo in promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral . The Brownsville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ValleyCentral . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: zoo ·
Published: May 28, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On May 28, 2016, a 17-year-old Western Lowland Gorilla named Harambe was shot and killed at the Cincinnati Zoo after a child fell into his enclosure. But before tragedy struck, Harambe lived at Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas, for 15 years. Born May 27, ...
When was this published? This article was first published on May 28, 2026 by ValleyCentral and curated for The Brownsville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by ValleyCentral. To learn more about how The Brownsville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more zoo coverage from The Brownsville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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