Bakari the gorilla becomes new silverback at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom has introduced Bakari, a 21‑year‑old male western lowland gorilla, as the new leader of the gorilla troop on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Bakari arrived from the Saint Louis Zoo after being born at Brookfield Zoo in 2005 and spending years in a bachelor troop that prepares young males for leadership.

His placement follows the death of Gino, the long‑time silverback who led the troop for nearly three decades and died in September. Bakari’s move is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan, a coordinated effort to maintain a genetically healthy population of this critically endangered subspecies across North American zoos. Guests may spot Bakari at the habitat, though sightings are not guaranteed on any given visit.

The new silverback not only fills a social role for the gorilla family but also supports broader conservation goals aimed at preventing the extinction of western lowland gorillas in the wild.