A new silverback is stepping into the spotlight along Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Bakari, a 21-year-old male western lowland gorilla, is settling in as the leader of the park’s family troop.
Bakari’s arrival closes an era for the troop. For nearly 30 years, the family group was led by Gino, the silverback who helped shape generations of gorillas at the park since it opened. Animal care manager Rachel, who works with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, called the transition bittersweet but said the team is excited to watch Bakari grow into the role. “Bakari is the future of this family troop,” she said.
Before coming to Animal Kingdom, Bakari lived in a bachelor group at another AZA-accredited zoo, where he spent time socializing with other males. Joining a family troop is a normal next step for adult male gorillas, but the introduction is happening gradually. The gorillas started out seeing each other through a protected viewing area so animal care experts could monitor how they responded to one another. From there, the group has been working step by step toward closer contact, with every stage guided by the animal care team’s observations.
The pairing is also tied to bigger conservation goals. It’s part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which helps keep western lowland gorilla populations genetically diverse in accredited zoos. Rachel said pairing Bakari with the troop’s females can strengthen the long term future of the population and give future generations a chance to connect with the species.
As for what Bakari is like day to day, caretakers describe him as calm and easygoing so far, often taking time to quietly observe everything around him. One habit that’s already become a favorite among the team: he likes to stretch out and lounge with his chin resting on his hand while he watches the activity nearby.
Guests visiting Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail may start catching glimpses of Bakari interacting with the rest of the troop as the introduction continues. It’s a rare chance to watch a critically endangered species build new family bonds up close, and a reminder of the conservation work happening behind the scenes at Animal Kingdom every day.
