‎Meet Bakari, the 21-year-old gorilla chosen to lead Disney's famous troop after the death of its longtime silverback

Visitors to Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom now have a new western lowland gorilla to see. Bakari, a 21-year-old male gorilla, has joined the park as the new leader of its gorilla troop, Fox 35 reported. He recently made his public debut at the gorilla habitat on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, where guests can now watch him as he settles into his new home. Bakari arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom from the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri. He officially made his debut on June 30 and has taken over as the troop leader following the death of Gino, the park’s longtime leader.

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Save Gorilla

Disney said Bakari’s transfer is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for western lowland gorillas. Under the programme, zoos work together to move animals between facilities for reasons such as breeding and maintaining genetic diversity within the species. Animal care experts helped Bakari adjust to his new surroundings before introducing him to the public. Disney later shared the news in a Facebook post announcing his arrival.

Gino, the Gorilla, passed away last year

Gino led for 30 years

Bakari succeeds Gino, the western lowland gorilla who served as the troop leader at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for nearly three decades. Disney announced Gino’s death in September 2025. He was 44 years old and had spent almost 30 years at the park, where he led and cared for the younger gorillas in the troop. Remembering him, Disney had said, “For nearly 30 years, Gino touched countless lives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with his playful spirit, gentle humour, and steady presence as a devoted father and troop leader.” The park also highlighted Gino’s contribution to gorilla conservation, saying “Gino leaves behind an incredible legacy of 14 offspring, global contributions to gorilla care and conservation, and the lasting memories of every cast member and guest he inspired.