Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a new face leading its gorilla family. A male western lowland gorilla named Bakari has joined the troop at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, stepping into the role of silverback. His arrival follows the loss of the troop’s longtime leader and ties into a broader conservation effort for a subspecies under serious threat. Here is a closer look at Bakari, where he came from, and what his new role means.
Who Bakari Is
Bakari is a 21-year-old male western lowland gorilla. He now lives in the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where he has taken on the role of silverback.
A silverback is the dominant male that leads a gorilla family group. The name comes from the silver hair that grows across the back of mature males. As the head of the troop, Bakari is responsible for guiding and protecting the family, making him a central figure in the group’s daily life.
Where He Came From
Bakari arrived from the Saint Louis Zoo, which shared news of his move on June 25. Before that, his story began at Brookfield Zoo, where he was born in 2005.
He came to the Saint Louis Zoo in 2011 and lived in a bachelor troop at the zoo’s Jungle of the Apes. According to the Saint Louis Zoo, this kind of bachelor troop helps prepare adult males for the possibility of leading a family group down the road. That setup reflects how gorillas live in the wild, where silverbacks and younger males often travel together until they form or join a breeding group.
Why He Was Moved
Bakari’s relocation to Florida was not a random decision. It came from a breeding recommendation under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan.
This program manages a genetically healthy population of western lowland gorillas across accredited zoos in North America. By placing Bakari in a position to lead his own family group, the plan supports the long-term goal of maintaining a stable and diverse population. His move is one piece of a coordinated effort that spans multiple institutions.
The Silverback He Replaces
Bakari fills a role that opened in the fall. Gino, who served as the troop’s silverback for nearly 30 years, passed away in September 2025 at the age of 44.
Gino had a long history at the park. He fathered 14 offspring and led the gorilla family for decades. Disney does not often release public statements when an animal passes, but it made an exception for Gino, a reflection of his place within the troop and the park. His passing left the group without a silverback, and Bakari now steps into that leadership position.
Conservation Context
Bakari’s arrival carries weight beyond one animal finding a new home. Western lowland gorillas are the most common of the four gorilla subspecies, yet they are still classified as critically endangered and face the threat of extinction in the wild.
Programs like the Species Survival Plan exist to help safeguard the future of these animals. Giving Bakari the opportunity to lead a family group at Disney’s Animal Kingdom adds to the managed population that the program works to strengthen. In that sense, his role goes hand in hand with the conservation mission that the park promotes.
Where Guests Can See Him
Guests hoping to catch a glimpse of Bakari can look for him along the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in the Africa section of the park. Disney shared the news on social media and encouraged guests to watch for him as he settles into his new role.
It is worth keeping expectations realistic. Sightings depend on the day, and there is no guarantee he will be visible during any given visit. Animals move in and out of view based on their own routines, so patience can help.
Conclusion
Bakari’s arrival marks a new chapter for the gorilla troop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As a 21-year-old western lowland gorilla stepping in after Gino’s long tenure, he takes on the role of silverback while contributing to a wider conservation program for a critically endangered subspecies. For guests walking the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, there is now a chance to see the troop’s new leader as he settles into his home in Africa.
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.
