Overview
- Bakari, which arrived Thursday, is settling into Animal Kingdom and has begun gradual visual and limited tactile introductions with the park’s female gorillas under close supervision.
- He replaces Gino, the longtime silverback who died less than a year ago and fathered multiple offspring that contributed to managed breeding programs.
- Disney says Bakari was transferred from an AZA‑accredited institution and that the move follows recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to support genetic management.
- Caretakers describe Bakari as calm and easygoing, and guests may see him intermittently on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail depending on troop behavior and welfare-driven access decisions.
- Beyond visitor sightings, Bakari’s placement is intended to strengthen long‑term genetic diversity for critically endangered western lowland gorillas and could lead to future breeding opportunities coordinated through the AZA Species Survival Plan.