Harambe’s Legacy Inspires New Great Ape Protection Act in Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a formal announcement made on Tuesday morning, United States lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill known as the Great Ape Protection and Conservation Act of 2025, drawing direct inspiration from the public outcry following the 2016 death of Harambe at the Cincinnati Zoo. The proposed legislation aims to prohibit the use of great apes in entertainment, ban private ownership of these animals, and allocate federal funding for sanctuary habitats. According to the bill’s primary sponsor, who cited the 2016 incident as a pivotal moment for animal rights discourse, the measure is designed to prevent future tragedies and ensure ethical treatment of endangered species. The act, which has garnered support from several animal welfare organizations, is scheduled for its first committee hearing next week.