Bakari, a new silverback western lowland gorilla, is the new leader of the family troop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As he is settling into his new role in his new home, the Disney Parks Blog shared details about this transition. Bakari is a 21-year-old male western lowland gorilla who can now be found at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.

The arrival of Bakari comes after Gino led the troop for nearly three decades. This marks the start of a new chapter for the troop and also the park with this new silverback. “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.”

Disney shared the following information about the transition process as they brought in Bakari. This was a very intentional and careful process that was not rushed. Check out the details here:

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.

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! 

What do you think of Bakari? Are you excited to see him at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Shae your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!