Meet Bakari, the 21-year-old gorilla chosen to lead Disney’s Famous Gorillas after the death of his longtime silverback
Visitors to Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom can now see a new species of western lowland gorilla. According to Fox 35, 21-year-old male gorilla Bakari has joined the park as the new leader of the gorilla troop. He recently made his public debut at the Gorilla Habitat on the Gorilla Falls Discovery Trail, where guests can now see him settling into his new home. Bakari arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom from the St. Louis Zoo in Missouri. He made his official debut on June 30 and took over as captain following the death of longtime park leader Gino.
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Disney said Bakari’s transfer is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan. Under the program, zoos work together to transfer animals between facilities for reasons such as breeding and maintaining species genetic diversity. Animal care experts helped Bakari acclimate to his new surroundings before introducing him to the public. Disney later announced his arrival with this message on Facebook.
Gorilla Gino died last year
Gino led for 30 years
Bakari succeeds Gino, the western lowland gorilla, who served as captain at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for nearly three decades. Disney announced Gino’s death in September 2025. Gino, 44, spent nearly 30 years at the park, leading and caring for the group’s young gorillas. “For nearly 30 years, Gino touched countless lives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with his playful spirit, gentle humor and calm persona as a devoted father and troop leader,” Disney said in a tribute to him. The park also highlighted Gino’s contributions to gorilla conservation, saying “Gino leaves behind an incredible legacy of 14 descendants, contributions to gorilla care and conservation worldwide, and a lasting memory for every cast member and guest he inspired.
