Gino the Gorilla Celebrates his 44th Birthday at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Gino the Gorilla Celebrates 44th Birthday with 80s-Themed Bash at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently celebrated a special milestone for one of its most iconic residents. Gino the gorilla turned 44 years old, making him not only the oldest gorilla in the park but also one of its original inhabitants from opening day in 1998. The announcement came via a heartwarming social media post from Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team, highlighting Gino’s legacy and his role as an ambassador for wildlife conservation.

Related: Disney Shares Behind Scenes Look at new Mufasa Tree of Life Awakenings at Animal Kingdom

To mark the occasion, Gino’s keepers hosted a festive birthday bash complete with treats and 1980s-themed decorations, paying homage to the year of his birth. His habitat was adorned with cassette tapes, records, and retro vibes, creating a nostalgic party scene for Gino and his family troop. As the resident silverback gorilla, Gino naturally got first dibs on the goodies, a privilege that comes with his leadership role in the troop.

Silverbacks like Gino are more than just impressive figures with their silver-gray saddle of hair—they are the protectors and decision-makers of their gorilla families. Gino ensures the safety and well-being of his troop, embodying the strength and wisdom associated with his role. Yet, despite his alpha status, Gino is known for his playful personality. Keepers describe him as a “goofball” who thrives on interaction and attention. Whether it’s making eye contact with park guests through the viewing panel or entertaining children with his antics, Gino has a unique ability to connect with those around him.

Related: Corra the African Elephant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Turns ONE!

Over the years, Gino has built a strong bond with his keepers, who marvel at his intelligence and charm. He has also inspired countless guests to learn about and advocate for the conservation of critically endangered species. Gino’s life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom serves as a testament to the park’s mission to educate and inspire visitors to protect wildlife and their habitats.

Here’s to Gino, the charismatic silverback who has captured hearts for decades. Happy 44th birthday, big guy—you’re truly the king of the jungle (and the party)! 🎉

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.

Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel

Who is your Travel Agent?(Required)

Let us pick for youEric HilesStacy ReedAbbey JohnsonAlisa SullivanAlli WillisAmanda FolsomAmanda VannAmber BrillhartAmber FisherAmy SieburnAndrea SmithAngela AndersonAngie BaycuraAnna PetrilliAnnabelle DuboseApril StefanskiAshley RamseyBeth ParsonsBetsy SantoroBrandie McQueenBrian BuckleyBridget HatchBryan SchwartzCandice SneedCarrie ButlerCarson DockumCasey BoltCharleen HortonChelsea RoyChelsea WuebkerChris BoyerChristie GrubeChristina FratturaChristina SmithCourtney WhiteCraig YoderDan MercedDanielle NorcrossDarby MouritsenDavid ForrestDeborah AlvaradoEmilee BiegelEmily MorrisFaith HakesGail HatchGreg MatzkerHelen HummerHolly CurryJackie CavistonJaclyn PepitoneJamie SwansonJeanine JordanJeff CallahanJenni MaierJennifer BrownJennifer StephensonJennifer StoessnerJessica HatfieldJessica HuffJessica WunderJoe GuertinJon CarpentierJoseph SliwaJulie McCombJustin BrownKat AttridgeKathryn EberhartKathy AndersonKatie HarrellKatie PrevotKayla CookKelsey SullensKim HelmsKimberly HutchinsonKristi GallagherKyle RamsdenLauren DewlenLeanne MonterLinda DurhamLindsay AckermannLindsey VromanLissette BritoLori HardyMallory MorrisonMandi QuinnMaranda PerkinsMarisa AlvaradoMegan TeismannMeghan BlairMelissa ReedMichele KlineMike BeyerMissy McCormickMisty DickersonNancy CasteelNicole ThorntonPatrick O'ConnorPaul SulPeyton Ward-KubikRaylene CooganRegan OstranderRobbie BulusRobert ThomasSara SolbergSarah McCandlishShanna BrowningShelley BennettShelly MetzStacy CristStacy KrzyminskiStacy SmithStephanie DraganoStephanie FerencStephanie WalshSusannah McCordTara SlusserTerri MillerTiffany DobraskiTiffany DrenkhahnTina FarmerTonya LesiukTracy DaneTroy DuncanVeronica RenteriaVicki FesslerWendy CarllWendy HauserWendy KellehanWendy Shelley

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Destination(Required)

Walt Disney WorldDisneyland ResortDisney Cruise LineAulani, A Disney Resort and SpaAulani, A Disney Resort and SpaUniversal FloridaUniversal HollywoodRoyal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian or other Cruise LineI don't know yet

# of Adults(Required)

# of Children(Required)

Check-in-Date(Required)

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Check-out-Date(Required)

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Comments, Questions or Special Requests

Email

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!