Disney's Animal Kingdom has welcomed Bakari, a 21-year-old male western lowland gorilla, as the new leader of its gorilla troop, replacing Gino who passed away at age 44 in September 2024. Bakari made his official debut in the park on 30 June and has since undergone his first routine medical checkup, which included dental examination, skull X-rays and a CT scan. As the dominant silverback, Bakari will play a crucial role in guiding and protecting the family unit, marking an important transition for the park's gorilla programme.

The arrival represents part of Disney's broader conservation efforts, supported by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan, which aims to maintain genetically diverse populations of western lowland gorillas in managed care. Gino had been the silverback for nearly 30 years since the park's opening in 1998. Disney's animal care team introduced Bakari gradually to the troop through a protected viewing area, slowly progressing to closer social interactions. Staff describe the transition as "bittersweet" whilst emphasising excitement about Bakari's potential to lead new generations and inspire visitors to support gorilla conservation efforts.