Disney’s Animal Kingdom has welcomed a new face to its gorilla family, and guests can now see him during a visit. Bakari, a 21-year-old male silverback gorilla, has joined the troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail after a period of adjustment behind the scenes. Below, you will find who Bakari is, how he settled into his new home, why the viewing area closed for a while, and what you can expect when you stop by the trail.
Meet Bakari, the Newest Member of the Troop
Bakari is a 21-year-old male silverback gorilla who came to Disney’s Animal Kingdom from the Saint Louis Zoo in late June 2026. Silverbacks are mature male gorillas, named for the silver hair that develops across their backs as they age. In a family group, a silverback typically takes on the role of leader, guiding the troop and helping keep the group stable.
At Animal Kingdom, Bakari steps into that leadership role for the resident family troop. His arrival marks a meaningful change for the group and gives guests a chance to observe a gorilla during an active stage of his life.
How Bakari Adjusted to His New Home
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Moving a gorilla to a new environment is a gradual process, and Bakari’s transition followed that careful approach. After arriving in late June, he spent roughly a month getting used to his surroundings before joining the rest of the troop.
This acclimation period gives an animal time to grow familiar with new spaces, sounds, and daily routines. Animal care teams monitor how the gorilla responds and adjust the pace as needed. Only once Bakari was comfortable did the next step, meeting the family troop, begin.
Why the Viewing Area Closed Temporarily
During the introduction process, the gorilla viewing area experienced temporary closures. These closures were tied directly to bringing Bakari together with the existing troop.
Introducing a new silverback to an established group is a sensitive undertaking. Gorillas form social bonds and hierarchies, so the care team manages these first meetings with attention and patience. Limiting guest access during that window helps keep the focus on the animals and supports a smoother introduction. Now that Bakari has met the troop and settled in, the area is open again for viewing.
What the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail Is
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is a walking trail at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that lets guests observe gorillas and other African wildlife along a self-guided path. Rather than a ride, it is a stroll through naturalistic habitats designed to mirror the environments these animals would find in the wild.
The trail winds past lush greenery, water features, and open viewing spots, giving you the chance to watch the gorillas from several vantage points. Because it is self-paced, you can spend as much or as little time as you like at each stop, making it a flexible addition to a day in the park.
What Guests Can Expect on a Visit
As of July 27, 2026, Bakari is appearing for guests along Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. On your visit, you may catch him resting, moving through the habitat, or interacting with the troop, though gorilla behavior varies throughout the day.
A few simple tips can improve your visit. Gorillas often show more activity during cooler parts of the morning, so an earlier stop can be worthwhile. Give yourself time to pause at the viewing areas, since the animals move at their own pace and patience often pays off. Keep in mind that sightings are never guaranteed, as the gorillas have space to roam and choose where they spend their time.
Final Thoughts
Bakari’s arrival adds a new chapter to the gorilla habitat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and his debut on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail gives guests a reason to slow down and take in the wildlife. If a visit is in your plans, set aside a little extra time to walk the trail and look for the new silverback. A calm, unhurried approach is the best way to enjoy the experience and increase your chances of seeing him in action.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
