Remembering Gino the Gorilla: Animal Kingdom’s Gentle Silverback

Disney’s Animal Kingdom lost one of its most beloved residents this week. Gino, the western lowland silverback gorilla who had called the park home since opening day in 1998, passed away at the age of 44.

Image Credit: Disney

From Rotterdam to Orlando

Gino’s story began in the Netherlands, where he was born on December 30, 1980 at Rotterdam Zoo. As a young gorilla, he moved to Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, where he grew into adulthood before making one last move — to Florida. In 1998, Gino arrived in Orlando to join Disney’s Animal Kingdom as one of its opening-day animals. From that moment on, he became a cornerstone of the park’s Gorilla Falls Trail, greeting millions of guests over nearly three decades.

👉 For a deeper dive behind the scenes at Animal Kingdom, check out our Guide to Walt Disney World Tours — whether you want behind-the-scenes animal encounters, special photo opportunities, or unique ways to explore the parks, there’s something in there for every curious guest.

A Gentle Leader and Father

At Animal Kingdom, Gino served as the troop’s silverback — the protector and leader who kept watch over his family group. Two of his daughters, Grace and Ada, remain with the troop today, carrying forward his presence in the park.

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Part of a Bigger Picture: The Gorilla SSP

Gino’s legacy goes far beyond his troop at Animal Kingdom. He was also an important part of the Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) — a cooperative program among AZA-accredited zoos that ensures the long-term health of western lowland gorillas in human care. The SSP helps maintain a genetically diverse and stable population by coordinating breeding, sharing information, and setting high standards for care.

Through this program, Gino fathered 14 offspring, strengthening the gene pool and helping secure the future of his species. Some of his daughters, including Grace and Ada, remain at Disney, while others have gone on to become leaders and parents in their own troops. Beyond genetics, his tolerant leadership style and even his cooperation with veterinary care made him a model for gorilla management, leaving an influence that reached well beyond Orlando.

Image Credit: Disney

A Partner in Care

Gino also changed the way veterinarians care for gorillas. Thanks to years of patience and trust with his keepers, he became one of the first gorillas to voluntarily cooperate with medical procedures. Instead of being anesthetized for exams, for example, he would calmly sit for cardiac ultrasounds while fully awake. This breakthrough made his own care safer and paved the way for animal care teams around the world to build the same trust with gorillas in their care.

A Connection Guests Will Never Forget

Disney described Gino as having a “playful spirit, gentle humor, and steady presence as a devoted father and troop leader.” Guests often remembered him for his thoughtful gaze and the uncanny feeling that he was just as curious about us as we were about him.

For our family, Gino’s troop has always been a highlight of Animal Kingdom. When our son was small, one of his favorite things was sitting along the Gorilla Falls Trail and watching the gorillas for as long as we’d let him. We still have copies of blurry photos from his very first camera — proof of just how fascinated he was with these gentle giants. Guests young and old felt that same pull toward Gino and his family, often lingering at the windows just to share a quiet moment in their company.

His Lasting Legacy

Though he would have turned 45 this December, Gino’s story will live on in the future of his species and in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. As Disney’s official statement shared:

“Gino leaves behind an incredible legacy — 14 offspring, global contributions to gorilla care and conservation, and the lasting memories of every cast member and guest he inspired. Thank you, Gino. You will always be part of our family.”

Gino’s life was a reminder of the power of connection: between animals and people, between families across generations, and between the wild and the world working to protect it, which is at the heart of the Animal Kingdom itself. His presence will be missed, but his impact will live on.

Pixie Dust Hugs,

Bren, Lyn, and Kim

👉 Interested in exploring more? Visit our Animal Kingdom Hub — your go-to guide for attractions, park overviews, tips, tricks, and everything you need to plan a wild day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.