Meet Bakari: the gorilla now leading Disney’s troop after a 30-year leader’s death

A new face has taken charge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and he’s already settling into the role his predecessor held for nearly 30 years. Bakari, a 21-year-old western lowland gorilla, has officially become the leader of the park’s gorilla troop, following the death of longtime leader Gino.

Gino led and cared for the younger gorillas in the troop for close to three decades before his death was announced by Disney in September 2025, at age 44. In a tribute, Disney said Gino had “touched countless lives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with his playful spirit, gentle humour, and steady presence as a devoted father and troop leader,” and credited him with 14 offspring and lasting contributions to gorilla conservation.

Bakari arrived at the park from the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri as part of a transfer under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for western lowland gorillas, a coordinated programme that moves animals between zoos to support breeding and maintain genetic diversity within the species, Fox 35 reported.

Animal care experts worked with Bakari to help him adjust to his new environment before he made his public debut at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail on June 30. Guests visiting the park can now watch him settle into his new role as he takes over responsibility for the troop Gino once led.