Harambe’s Revenge: ‘Anonymous’ Hackers Seek Retribution

Harambe the gorilla’s death has caused quite the uproar. Now, hacker group “Anonymous” seems to want “in” on the payback.

Anonymous hackers have a reputation for executing their own brand of “justice” as they deem fit. Now, joining the ranks of so many who have encountered Anonymous’ takeovers — whether morally deserved or not — are Cincinnati Zoo and the child’s mother, Michelle Gregg.

While Harambe isn’t here to defend himself, the gorilla has a mass of people attempting to seek retribution for alleged negligence. Some have even plotted revenge for Harambe’s death.

Anonymous Avenges Harambe’s Death

According to Metro, a certain group of hackers, affiliated with Anonymous, expresses that the way Cincinnati Zoo staff members handled the gorilla situation was and is still unacceptable. This group calls itself “Anonymous Ohio.”

In the name of Harambe, this particular hacker affiliation and animal activist group has announced its campaign as “Operation Harambe” — via Twitter and Instagram, it’s #OpHarambe and #OpBeast, according to Mirror and Metro.

These are two social campaigns the “Anonymous” hackers are using to seek perceived justice for Harambe the gorilla. Currently, the initial Anonymous Ohio video is inaccessible via Facebook. However, according to Metro, the hackers addressed the public with a request: help bring Harambe’s killers to justice.

Anonymous Ohio And Harambe’s Justice

The source notes that the hacker group has called for action against Michelle Gregg, the child’s mother. Accordingly, they gave out her private information, including her work address and her phone number. Anonymous Ohio feels that the mother “neglected to supervise her children” during their time at the Cincinnati Zoo. As reports the source, the hacker group states as follows.

“We do not see Michelle Gregg as a fit parent. We are calling on an investigation of Michelle Gregg and the zoo. We believe she should be charged in the death of an endangered animal. We are encouraging every able-bodied person watching this video to participate. #OpHarambe engage.”

As can be seen in the latter tweet, the statement was made as further elaboration on Operation Harambe. Accompanying the call-t0-action against Gregg, Cincinnati Zoo has not gotten away unscathed. Animal activists have petitioned that the zoo be held responsible for their actions as well, citing that they should receive the “maximum penalty” in the matter.

Likewise, this isn’t the first time the Cincinnati Zoo has been hacked. It happened in 2014 when hackers took over the facility’s Facebook page. With no Facebook access, the zoo took to Twitter to announce the issue, specifically including that they were receiving no help from the social media’s technical support.

We are aware that our Facebook page has been hacked and we're not having any luck with support. Any suggestions?

— Cincinnati Zoo (@CincinnatiZoo) November 30, 2014

Anonymous Allegedly Targets Parent Supporters

However, Cincinnati Zoo and Michelle Gregg aren’t the only people Anonymous Ohio seem to be pursuing. According to Mirror, there have been a number of Michelle Gregg supporters who have been cyber attacked after showing their understanding of her position.

One man, Alonzo Washington of Kansas City, Kansas, expressed his sincerity and condolences concerning the backlash the child’s mother is undertaking. And, since in perceived opposition to Harambe’s cause, the hacker group allegedly attacked him as well.

He told the public that the hackers were attempting to take over his computer after his comments regarding Harambe and the child’s mother. Reportedly, Washington’s Twitter account was the first to go. It had been overtaken, completely locking him out. Then, a short time after, the man lost his entire internet connection for approximately an hour. Specifically, the source says that he was “denied” internet access.

All in all, what do you think about Anonymous’ involvement in the Harambe case? Is the hacker group taking it too far? Do you think they should attack those who have nothing to do with the actual incident? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

[Photo by Aaron Favila/AP Images]