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Animal Kingdom Welcomes a New Silverback Gorilla
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a brand-new leader! Bakari, a 21-year-old western lowland gorilla, has officially joined the park’s troop as their new silverback. He recently made the journey to Walt Disney World from his previous home at the Saint Louis Zoo.
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Bakari’s arrival marks a poignant new chapter for the Gorilla Falls family following the loss of Gino, Animal Kingdom’s beloved longtime silverback. Gino passed away last year at age 44 after leading the troop for nearly three decades. An original resident since the park opened on Earth Day in 1998, Gino fathered 14 offspring, leaving an incredible legacy in wildlife conservation and in the hearts of millions of park guests.
According to park officials, this move offers Bakari the chance to head his own family group through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan. This collaborative breeding program is vital to maintaining healthy, genetically diverse populations of endangered animals across accredited institutions.
Because western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, cooperative initiatives like the AZA Species Survival Plan are vital to their long-term survival.
To ensure a smooth transition, Disney’s animal care experts are giving Bakari plenty of time to acclimate to his new surroundings before his official public debut. While he adjusts, portions of the viewing areas along the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail are temporarily blocked off so the team can closely monitor his comfort and progress. Once Bakari is fully settled, guests will be able to see the new silverback confidently leading his troop throughout the habitat.
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