A new silverback gorilla named Bakari has settled into Disney's Animal Kingdom and is now visible to guests walking the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, taking over as leader of the park's resident gorilla troop following the death of long serving silverback Gino last year.
Article Summary
- Who's arrived: Bakari, a 21 year old male western lowland gorilla, has joined the family troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
- Where he came from: Bakari transferred from Saint Louis Zoo, where he'd lived in a bachelor troop since 2011.
- When you can see him: Disney confirmed Bakari became visible to guests from Monday 27th July 2026, after roughly a month of acclimatisation.
- What happened to the old leader: Previous silverback Gino led the troop for almost three decades before passing away in September 2025 at the age of 44.
- Why it's happening: The move is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan, a breeding programme supporting critically endangered western lowland gorillas.
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Read on for the full breakdown including how the introduction process worked, what Bakari's personality is like so far, and when's best to try and spot him on your visit.
Who is Bakari the new Animal Kingdom gorilla?
Bakari is a 21 year old male western lowland gorilla who arrived at Disney's Animal Kingdom in late June 2026. He was born at Brookfield Zoo in 2005 and moved to Saint Louis Zoo in 2011, where he lived in a bachelor troop at the zoo's Jungle of the Apes habitat before his transfer to Florida.
Disney says his move to Disney's Animal Kingdom was recommended through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding programme designed to keep populations of western lowland gorillas in accredited zoos healthy and genetically diverse. Western lowland gorillas are classed as critically endangered, so pairing Bakari with the Animal Kingdom females is part of a longer term conservation effort rather than a straight swap of one silverback for another.
According to Disney's animal care manager Rachel, Bakari has shown a calm and easygoing personality since arriving, often taking time to quietly observe his surroundings. One habit that's already become a favourite with his keepers is Bakari stretching out and lounging with his chin resting on his hand while watching the activity around him.
"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."
- Rachel, animal care manager, Disney's Animals, Science and Environment
How was Bakari introduced to the troop?
Gorilla introductions aren't a quick process and Disney's animal care team took a gradual, staged approach with Bakari. He initially spent time viewing the rest of the troop through a protected barrier, allowing everyone to get used to each other while being closely monitored by keepers. From there, the introductions built up step by step, eventually allowing touch through a scrim and then closer physical interaction, with each stage guided by how comfortable the gorillas appeared.
This acclimatisation period meant portions of the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail viewing area were closed to guests for several weeks in July 2026 while the introductions took place. Disney confirmed Bakari became visible to guests again from Monday 27th July 2026, once he'd settled in with the rest of the family troop.
Why this process takes time
Joining a family troop is a natural stage of life for adult male gorillas, but that doesn't mean it happens overnight. Silverbacks take on an important role within the group, guiding the troop's daily movements, resolving social disputes, defending the family from threats and helping look after younger gorillas as they grow. Giving Bakari and the females time to build those relationships properly, rather than rushing the process for the sake of guest viewing, is the difference between a stable long term troop and a stressed one.
What happened to Gino the previous silverback?
Gino led the Gorilla Falls family troop for almost three decades, since Disney's Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, and passed away in September 2025 at the age of 44. That's a significant milestone in gorilla years and by all accounts he was a much loved fixture of the trail for a huge number of visitors, myself included on a few Florida trips over the years.
Bakari's arrival represents the start of a new chapter for the troop rather than a direct replacement, and it'll likely take some time before he settles fully into the leadership habits Gino built up over 27 years.
When can I see Bakari on my Walt Disney World trip?
Bakari is now a regular part of the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail experience, though as with any animal habitat, sightings aren't guaranteed on any given day since it depends on the troop's movements and where they choose to spend their time. The trail itself sits in the Africa section of Disney's Animal Kingdom, next to Kilimanjaro Safaris, and is self-guided so you can spend as long as you like at each viewing point.
If you're planning a Walt Disney World trip from the UK and want the best chance of a good look at the troop, mornings tend to be quieter on the trail before the crowds spilling out of Kilimanjaro Safaris build up through the day. It's also worth checking the My Disney Experience app on the day, as the trail sometimes has shorter operating hours than the rest of the park, particularly during the autumn and winter months when a lot of UK families travel to fit around school holidays.
What this means for your visit
- You don't need to book or reserve anything, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail has no queue and is walk-up only.
- Visiting earlier in the day generally means fewer crowds and a better chance of a clear view.
- The trail is wheelchair and pushchair accessible throughout.
- Check opening hours for the trail specifically in the My Disney Experience app, as they can differ from general park hours.
- Sightings of Bakari aren't guaranteed, so treat it as a bonus rather than the main reason for your visit.
You can find full details on Disney's own Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail page if you want to see what else is along the trail before you go.
If you're still planning the rest of your Walt Disney World holiday, our guide to current Disney World offers for UK guests is worth a look before you book, and our Disney World tickets guide covers everything you need on the ticketing side.
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New Silverback Bakari: Your Questions Answered
Is Bakari visible to guests now?
Yes. Disney confirmed Bakari became visible to guests on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail from Monday 27th July 2026, following a period of acclimatisation.
Where did Bakari come from?
Bakari transferred to Disney's Animal Kingdom from Saint Louis Zoo, where he had lived in a bachelor gorilla troop since 2011. He was born at Brookfield Zoo in 2005.
What happened to Gino the previous silverback?
Gino led the Gorilla Falls family troop for nearly three decades and passed away in September 2025 at the age of 44.
Is Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail always open?
No. The trail can have shorter operating hours than the rest of Disney's Animal Kingdom, particularly in autumn and winter, so it's worth checking the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit.
Do I need to book to see the gorillas?
No. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is a self-guided walk-through experience with no queue or booking required.
Why was the gorilla viewing area closed in July 2026?
Portions of the viewing area were closed while Disney's animal care team carried out a gradual introduction process between Bakari and the rest of the troop, including monitored contact through a protective barrier.
Are western lowland gorillas endangered?
Yes. Western lowland gorillas are classed as critically endangered, largely due to habitat loss, poaching and disease affecting wild populations in Central Africa.
