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Articles on Harambe

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A makeshift shrine to Harambe, the zoo gorilla whose death has raised some uncomfortable moral questions. William Philpott/Reuters

How do we weigh the moral value of human lives against animal ones?

We tend instinctively to value human lives over non-human ones. But is there a point where the scales might tip the other way?
Menageries of the 19th century brought exotic animals (and people) to Western society – as do many zoos today.

Is it time to break with colonial legacy of zoos?

The shooting death of Harambe the gorilla has once again raised concern for the well-being of zoo animals. But animals in zoos may be fated by the very institution we have created to protect them.
A makeshift shrine at the Cincinnati Zoo, where Harambe, a male gorilla, was killed by zoo officials. William Philpott/Reuters

Gorilla’s death calls for human responsibility, not animal personhood

The death of Harambe the gorilla has sparked outrage and raised questions over the adequacy of zoos, but protecting some animals through legal personhood is flawed and dangerous, says legal scholar.

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