Meet Bakari, the New Silverback Gorilla at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

This week we’re celebrating a new arrival at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! A new chapter is beginning on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, where Bakari, a 21-year-old male western lowland gorilla, is gradually settling into his new home and role as the leader of the park’s family troop.

Bakari’s arrival marks an important milestone. For nearly three decades, the family group was led by Gino, the park’s beloved silverback, who helped shape generations of gorillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and beyond. Now, Bakari represents the next generation, and the beginning of an exciting new era for the troop.

“Bringing Bakari here is bittersweet because it means we’ve said goodbye to Gino, who was our silverback for almost 30 years since the park’s opening,” said Rachel, animal care manager with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment. “But it’s also incredibly exciting. Bakari is the future of this family troop, and we’re looking forward to watching him grow into that role and hopefully help welcome new generations of gorillas for years to come.”

A Careful Introduction & Building New Bonds

Of course, introducing a new member to the troop isn’t as simple as saying “welcome, Bakari.” Behind the scenes, animal care experts are guiding a carefully planned introduction process designed to help Bakari settle into his new home and allow him and the females time to build positive social relationships with each other.

Before arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Bakari lived in a bachelor group at another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoo, where he spent time socializing with other males. Joining a family troop is a natural experience for adult male gorillas, but the group needs time to settle into their new dynamic which is why introductions happen gradually.

First, the gorillas spend time seeing one another through a protected viewing area, allowing them to become familiar with each other while animal care experts closely monitor their interactions. As comfort levels grow, the introductions progress step by step, eventually allowing opportunities for touch and closer social interactions. Every milestone is guided by the expertise and observations of Disney’s animal care teams.

“This is all very new for Bakari,” Rachel explained. “Our goal is to help him feel comfortable and confident at every stage. We take the process slowly because building those social relationships with the females is incredibly important.”

This work is part of Disney’s ongoing commitment to exceptional animal care and is supported by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which helps maintain strong, genetically diverse populations of western lowland gorillas in managed care.

“Pairing Bakari with our females can help strengthen the long-term future of the population,” Rachel said. “That’s important because we want future generations to be able to connect with these animals and be inspired to help protect them.”

Getting to Know Bakari

While Bakari is still getting to know his new family troop, animal care experts are also learning more about his unique personality. So far, he’s shown a calm and easygoing demeanor, often taking time to quietly observe his surroundings as he settles into life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

One behavior that’s already becoming a favorite among his caretakers? Bakari loves to stretch out and lounge with his chin resting on his hand while taking in all the activity around him.

Did You Know?

• The troop’s dominant silverback plays an important role in guiding and protecting the family, helping maintain a stable and cohesive dynamic.
• Gorilla troops are built around strong family bonds, often made up of multiple females and their offspring, with a single dominant male at the center.
• Within the troop, gorillas learn from one another through daily interactions, making each new introduction an important step in building those relationships over time.
• For guests, that means even more to explore and discover along Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. As Bakari continues to settle into his new home, you may begin to see him interacting with other members of the troop, offering a unique opportunity to observe these incredible animals up close at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

More Fun Facts from the Gorilla Falls Explorations Trail

1. Name Changes
When the attraction opened with the Animal Kingdom in April 1998, it was known as the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Just a few months later, in August, the attraction was renamed the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and stayed that way until May 27, 2016, when it reverted to its original name.

2.The Harambe Village
The Pangani name was part of a retheming that integrated the backstory of the trail into the nearby village of Harambe. But why “Pangani”? Pangani means “place of enchantment” in Swahili.

3.A Conservation School
The updated backstory revealed that the trail was administered by the Harambe Wildlife Reserve and the Pangani Forest Conservation School. The school’s director, Dr. K. Kulunda, oversaw a staff of over a dozen research students and volunteers from around the world. Together they constructed several observation stations along the trail to observe and record the traits and mannerisms of the local wildlife. Various research notes and conservation tips were left behind for visitors to study.

4.Bring Your Walking Shoes
The trail itself is a bit less than half a mile in length.

5. The Aviary
Nearly two dozen exotic bird species roam free in the aviary section of the trail. They’re good at making themselves hard to spot, but sharp-eyed Guests should be able to find the pygmy geese swimming in the pond and the white-bellied go-away birds roosting in the canopy.

6. Don’t Forget the Hippos!
The Exploration Trail is also well known for its hippopotamuses, which can be seen at the underwater viewing area. The area consists of a windowed dam in the middle of the Safi River. If you notice the dam leaking, don’t worry – it was intentionally made that way to enhance the rugged look of the outdoor reserve.

Bakari’s arrival also highlights the care, expertise, and science led by Disney’s animal care team to help protect this critically endangered species. Each step forward supports not only the wellbeing of the gorillas at Walt Disney World, but also broader conservation efforts to help gorillas thrive in the wild.

Welcome home, Bakari!