A new western lowland gorilla has made his debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The male gorilla is named Bakari. He joined the family troop at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Walt Disney World Resort has shared photos of the new resident.
Bakari will have an important role at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. He will have the role of head of the family, which is also called the silverback. The new gorilla will be able to be spotted by guests with eagle eyes to spot Bakari!
Gorillas at Walt Disney World Resort
Come see the growing troop of western lowland gorillas on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
Get to know the awesome apes that make their home in 7 countries across central and western Africa, typically in lowland tropical forests. Gorillas are charismatic, intelligent and highly social animals—with incredible strength!
Home Away From Home
Disney animal care experts have brought the magic of the rainforest to life—creating an enriching environment for the gorillas.
Here’s a glimpse inside the life of a gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park:
- A Natural Setting: A lush and sprawling tropical forest provides opportunities for the troops of gorillas to rest, communicate, interact, hide and explore.
- Enriching Items: Tubs, bags, blankets, toys and puzzle feeders are staged around the gorilla habitat daily. These enrichment tools help increase the gorillas’ physical activity, stimulate their problem-solving abilities and offer them real choices.
Disney Conservation: Saving Gorillas
Gorillas depend on African forests to survive, but those tropical habitats are starting to disappear. Deforestation, poaching and infectious diseases are the biggest threats to gorillas.
The Walt Disney Company is committed to saving wildlife and protecting the magic of nature together as a global community.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, support from the Disney Conservation Fund* helped the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International open the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE). The center is devoted to rescuing and rehabilitating gorillas that have been orphaned by illegal poaching and animal trafficking.
Disney helped design and build the GRACE Center and continues to send Disney animal care experts, veterinarians and education specialists to work with the gorillas and offer training to GRACE’s community, animal care and education staff.
What do you think about this new gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Are you looking forward to seeing him? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
