NEWS: New Silverback Gorilla Introduced to Animal Kingdom Family Group

Over the years, we have spent hours observing the Gorillas at Animal Kingdom’s Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Each with their unique personalities, we’ve enjoyed watching their interactions as they go about their day. Like many guests, our favorite was Gino, the silverback leader of the family group. Sadly, Gino passed away last year at the age of 44. Recently, Disney announced that the family group was getting a new leader, Bakari, who is beginning to settle in to his new home.

Full details below.

A new chapter is beginning on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where Bakari, a 21-year-old male western lowland gorilla, is gradually settling into his new home and role as the leader of the park’s family troop.

Bakari’s arrival marks an important milestone. For nearly three decades, the family group was led by Gino, our beloved silverback, who helped shape generations of gorillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and beyond. Now, Bakari represents the next generation, and the beginning of an exciting new era for the troop.

“Bringing Bakari here is bittersweet because it means we’ve said goodbye to Gino, who was our silverback for almost 30 years since the park’s opening,” said Rachel, animal care manager with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment. “But it’s also incredibly exciting. Bakari is the future of this family troop, and we’re looking forward to watching him grow into that role and hopefully help welcome new generations of gorillas for years to come.”

A Careful Introduction & Building New Bonds

Of course, introducing a new member to the troop isn’t as simple as saying “welcome, Bakari.” Behind the scenes, animal care experts are guiding a carefully planned introduction process designed to help Bakari settle into his new home and allow him and the females time to build positive social relationships with each other.

Before arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Bakari lived in a bachelor group at another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoo, where he spent time socializing with other males. Joining a family troop is a natural experience for adult male gorillas, but the group needs time to settle into their new dynamic which is why introductions happen gradually.

First, the gorillas spend time seeing one another through a protected viewing area, allowing them to become familiar with each other while animal care experts closely monitor their interactions. As comfort levels grow, the introductions progress step by step, eventually allowing opportunities for touch and closer social interactions. Every milestone is guided by the expertise and observations of Disney’s animal care teams.

“This is all very new for Bakari,” Rachel explained. “Our goal is to help him feel comfortable and confident at every stage. We take the process slowly because building those social relationships with the females is incredibly important.”

This work is part of Disney’s ongoing commitment to exceptional animal care and is supported by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which helps maintain strong, genetically diverse populations of western lowland gorillas in managed care.

“Pairing Bakari with our females can help strengthen the long-term future of the population,” Rachel said. “That’s important because we want future generations to be able to connect with these animals and be inspired to help protect them.”

Getting to Know Bakari

While Bakari is still getting to know his new family troop, animal care experts are also learning more about his unique personality. So far, he’s shown a calm and easygoing demeanor, often taking time to quietly observe his surroundings as he settles into life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

One behavior that’s already becoming a favorite among his caretakers? Bakari loves to stretch out and lounge with his chin resting on his hand while taking in all the activity around him.

Did You Know?

• • • The troop’s dominant silverback plays an important role in guiding and protecting the family, helping maintain a stable and cohesive dynamic.
    • Gorilla troops are built around strong family bonds, often made up of multiple females and their offspring, with a single dominant male at the center.
    •  Within the troop, gorillas learn from one another through daily interactions, making each new introduction an important step in building those relationships over time.

For guests, that means even more to explore and discover along Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. As Bakari continues to settle into his new home, you may begin to see him interacting with other members of the troop, offering a unique opportunity to observe these incredible animals up close at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Bakari’s arrival also highlights the care, expertise, and science led by Disney’s animal care team to help protect this critically endangered species. Each step forward supports not only the wellbeing of the gorillas at Walt Disney World, but also broader conservation efforts to help gorillas thrive in the wild.

Welcome home, Bakari!