Disney World’s Animal Kingdom has recently welcomed a new member to its family troop of western lowland gorillas. Bakari, a 21-year-old male gorilla, has been introduced as the new leader, stepping into this important role following the passing of Gino, the park’s oldest gorilla and long-serving silverback, who lived at the park since its opening in 1998.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/bakari-silverback-gorilla-disney-animal-kingdom-073126-2057717752a543f9930eb700306ed8a6.jpg)
The announcement of Bakari’s arrival was made on 30 July, almost a year after the Animal Kingdom community mourned Gino’s loss. Gino, at 44 years old, had become a cherished figure within the park, and his absence left a significant gap in the troop’s structure. Rachel, the animal care manager for Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, expressed the mixed emotions surrounding Bakari’s arrival. She emphasised the importance of this transition, stating, “Bringing Bakari here is bittersweet because it means we’ve said goodbye to Gino… But it’s also incredibly exciting. Bakari is the future of this family troop.”
Bakari previously resided at another accredited zoo under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), where he lived among a group of bachelor male gorillas. His move to Animal Kingdom is part of a carefully managed introduction process designed to ensure the well-being and social integration of new members into the family troop. The process begins with protected viewing sessions, allowing experts to closely observe initial interactions before allowing more direct social contact.
According to Rachel, Bakari is currently undergoing a period of adjustment. “This is all very new for Bakari,” she noted, reiterating the importance of ensuring his comfort and confidence in this new environment. The zoo’s care team is committed to facilitating these early interactions with the female gorillas, as establishing strong social bonds is crucial for the troop’s dynamics.
As the dominant silverback, Bakari’s role is pivotal. He will be responsible for guiding and protecting the family, which typically consists of one dominant male alongside several females and their young. His leadership will be instrumental in maintaining a stable family structure, a fundamental aspect of gorilla social behaviour. Through this new role, Bakari will contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at sustaining a genetically diverse population of western lowland gorillas.
Bakari’s relocation aligns with the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP), which focuses on promoting healthy genetics among captive gorillas. Rachel explained, “Pairing Bakari with our females can help strengthen the long-term future of the population. We want future generations to be able to connect with these animals and be inspired to help protect them.”
Visitors to Animal Kingdom are now able to see Bakari at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, situated within the Africa Pavilion of the park. While he continues to settle in, his character is beginning to emerge. Keepers have noted that he exhibits a calm and easygoing nature, often taking time to observe his surroundings as he adapts to his new habitat. One particular behaviour that has already endeared him to his caretakers is his habit of lounging comfortably, resting his chin on his hand while watching the activities around him.
In addition to Bakari, Animal Kingdom is home to a variety of wildlife including hippos and zebras, offering visitors an immersive experience in a lush tropical setting. As guests explore the Gorilla Falls area, they can witness Bakari’s transition into his leadership role and learn more about the vital conservation efforts being undertaken to protect these magnificent creatures.
As Bakari settles into his new environment and begins to engage with the troop, there is an air of optimism among the staff at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. His presence represents not only a continuation of familial ties but also a commitment to fostering future generations of gorillas in human care, echoing the park’s dedication to wildlife conservation and education. Visitors to the park can look forward to witnessing Bakari grow into his role and contribute to the rich tapestry of life that Animal Kingdom strives to celebrate.