Disney’s Animal Kingdom Honors Gino the Gorilla on World Gorilla Day

World Gorilla Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was filled with both celebration and remembrance as the park honored the life and legacy of Gino, the beloved western lowland gorilla who touched countless hearts during his nearly 30 years at the park. In tribute, Disney also announced $500,000 in continued support for gorilla conservation through the Disney Conservation Fund.

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Born in 1980 at the Rotterdam Zoo in the Netherlands, Gino arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1997, even before the park officially opened to guests. Since then, he became a true icon of the park, inspiring guests with his gentle leadership, playful personality, and powerful presence. From chest-beating when he first spotted Roy Disney to delighting children with his antics, Gino created moments of connection that sparked a love of wildlife in generations of visitors.

As a silverback, Gino was the definition of a role model father and troop leader. He sired 14 offspring across seven states, playing a vital role in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. His calm, tolerant nature influenced gorilla care far beyond Disney, and his legacy lives on not only through his children but also through the very logo of the Gorilla SSP, which was modeled after him.

Gino was also a pioneer in animal health care. Thanks to his trust in his caretakers, he became one of the first gorillas in the world to voluntarily undergo cardiac ultrasounds without anesthesia. This breakthrough changed the way zoos approach veterinary care for gorillas, creating safer, more effective methods now used around the globe.

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Beyond the park, Gino’s influence extended deep into conservation. His life helped inspire the creation of GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the world’s only sanctuary for critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas. Through partnerships with GRACE and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Disney’s support has protected thousands of square kilometers of forest habitat for wild gorilla populations.

As Dr. Kristen Lukas of the Gorilla SSP said, “Gino was a role-model parent, gentle leader, and exemplary silverback.” While his passing is deeply felt, his story continues to shape both the future of gorilla care and the fight to protect these magnificent animals in the wild.

On this World Gorilla Day, Disney invites guests to not only celebrate Gino’s extraordinary life but also join in supporting the conservation work that ensures his legacy thrives for generations to come.

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