Gino the gorilla has lived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since the park opened. He passed away this week.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to a wide range of species, but one of the most popular groups is the family of western lowland gorillas, the stars of the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in the Africa section of the park. Since the park’s opening in 1998, the patriarch of that family has been Gino.
Unfortunately, Gino the silverback gorilla has died at 44 years old.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of Gino, our beloved 44-year-old western lowland gorilla,” Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment team wrote in a tribute post on social media. “For nearly 30 years, Gino touched countless lives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with his playful spirit, gentle humor, and steady presence as a devoted father and troop leader.”
Gino with his son Flint. Photo courtesy of Disney
During his time at Animal Kingdom, Gino fathered 14 offspring, some of whom still live at the park. Gino was also one of the first gorillas in the world to willingly allow a veterinarian to perform a cardiac ultrasound without the use of anesthesia.
His caretakers summed up Gino’s personality in a few words:
- Goofy
- Playful
- Iconic
- Handsome
- Super smart
- Awesome dad
- Family
You can learn more about Gino in an episode of The Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Disney+.
In loving memory of Gino the gorilla. You will be missed.
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