Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a new leader on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. The park has welcomed Bakari, a 21-year-old western lowland gorilla who recently arrived from the Saint Louis Zoo to serve as the silverback and head of the family troop.
A New Silverback Takes Charge
Western lowland gorillas live in close-knit family troops led by a dominant silverback, who is responsible for guiding the group, defending its members, and maintaining the social structure of the troop. At 21 years old, Bakari arrives at Animal Kingdom in his prime, and animal care teams have been working to introduce him to the existing troop on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. According to the Saint Louis Zoo, Bakari’s move was made through a breeding recommendation under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan.
Guests visiting the trail in the coming weeks should be on the lookout for Bakari as he settles into his new home. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail has long been a highlight of Animal Kingdom’s Africa section, giving guests an up-close walking tour past gorilla habitats, an aviary, and a hippo viewing area.
Part Of A Long Conservation Tradition
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has participated in the Species Survival Plan for western lowland gorillas for decades, working alongside accredited zoos like the Saint Louis Zoo to maintain genetically healthy gorilla populations in human care. Western lowland gorillas are listed as critically endangered in the wild, making breeding and habitat programs like this one an important piece of ongoing conservation work. For more on Animal Kingdom’s other recent updates, check out our look at extended evening hours coming to the park this fall.
No formal welcome celebration has been announced for Bakari, but cast members are expected to share more updates as he continues to acclimate to his new troop and habitat in the weeks ahead.
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