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Meet Bakari, the New Silverback Gorilla Leading the Troop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A new era is beginning along Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as Bakari, a 21-year-old western lowland gorilla, settles into his new home and prepares to lead the park’s family troop. The young silverback is gradually being introduced to the group following the departure of Gino, who served as the troop’s leader for nearly 30 years.
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Bakari previously lived in a bachelor group at another Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facility, where he socialized with other male gorillas. Moving into a family troop is a natural next step for an adult male, but Disney’s animal care team is taking the introduction process slowly to help Bakari and the female gorillas build trust and positive relationships.
The gorillas first spend time observing one another through protected viewing areas before progressing toward closer interaction. Each stage is carefully monitored by Disney’s animal care experts, who look for signs that the animals are comfortable before moving forward. The process is supported by the AZA Species Survival Plan, which works to maintain healthy and genetically diverse populations of western lowland gorillas in managed care.
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Animal care experts describe Bakari as calm and easygoing, with a habit of stretching out and resting his chin on his hand while quietly watching everything around him. As he becomes more comfortable, guests may begin spotting him interacting with other members of the troop during visits to Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
A dominant silverback plays an important role in protecting the troop and helping maintain a stable family dynamic. Disney hopes Bakari will eventually help welcome future generations of gorillas, continuing the legacy Gino helped build at the park. Planning a wild day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Contact our partners at Get Away Today to help put together a Walt Disney World vacation that is truly ape-solutely unforgettable.
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