Life of Ota Benga as a Human Exhibit at the Bronx Zoo: A Sad Tale of Human Exploitation and Disregard
In the heart of the Congo Free State, a young African man named Ota Benga was born to the Mbuti Pygmies in the Ituri Forest. This region, personal property of King Leopold II of Belgium, was a hotbed of colonial avarice.
In 1904, Ota Benga's life took a dramatic turn when he was discovered by Samuel Verner, an American businessman and amateur explorer. Verner bought Ota Benga for a pound of salt and a bolt of cloth, marking the beginning of his journey to the United States.
Ota Benga was displayed at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis and became a popular attraction. After the fair, he traveled with Verner and returned to Africa for a time. However, his life in the Congo was marred by tragedy when he was taken as a slave by Arab slavers after his family's slaughter.
Upon returning to the United States in 1906, Ota Benga was housed at the American Museum of Natural History. His life took a turn for the worse when he was subjected to degrading treatment, including being displayed at the Bronx Zoo as a human exhibit.
Local black clergy demanded the release of Ota Benga and lobbied the governor to shut down the display. Despite their efforts, Ota Benga was eventually displayed as part of an exhibit on human evolution at the Bronx Zoo.
Under Leopold's administration, the Belgian Congo descended into a nightmare of whippings, amputations, forced labor, and mass killings. Estimates suggest that as many as 10 million Congolese were killed under King Leopold's rule. Many Congolese forced laborers had their limbs severed for not meeting rubber quotas by the Belgians during colonial occupation of the territory.
Ota Benga's marriage to a woman from the Batwa tribe, another Congolese tribe, lasted only a few months, ending when his wife died from a snakebite. His life was further marked by tragedy when he shot himself in the heart on March 20, 1916, while being held against his will in the United States.
Ota Benga's life was a testament to the dark side of colonialism and the quack science of eugenics. His story serves as a reminder of the injustices that have been inflicted upon marginalized communities throughout history. Today, his legacy continues to inspire discussions about racial justice and the need for greater understanding and empathy.
