Disney Commemorates World Gorilla Day By Paying Tribute to Gino
As today is World Gorilla Day, the Disney family is remembering Gino, the 44-year-old western lowland gorilla who tragically passed away earlier this month.
Gino was born on December 30, 1980, in Amsterdam’s Rotterdam Zoo before moving to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1997.
Photo: Disney
For the next 28 years, Gino would become a beloved member of the Disney family, educating and awing guests who came to see him.
Photo: Disney
“Gino was the very definition of a model silverback,” shared Dr. Beth Stevens, opening team member and former Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “He engaged with the world around him and was always aware of who passed by. I’ll never forget the moment he saw Roy Disney. In an instant, Gino began chest-beating, a powerful display of dominance and connection. It was truly unforgettable – and nothing short of magical.”
A Caring Father
While Gino will be remembered for many things, first and foremost will be as a caring father.
Photo: Disney
Over the course of his lifetime, the gorilla fathered 14 offspring across seven states, playing a critical role in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan.
“All gorillas at AZA zoos are special, but some find their way into our hearts in a profoundly endearing way,” said Dr. Kristen Lukas, Chair of the Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP), AZA. “Gino was one of those remarkable individuals with an exceptional character that was appreciated by gorillas, caregivers, and guests alike. He was a role-model parent, gentle leader, and exemplary silverback that strengthened the Gorilla SSP population. While we deeply mourn his passing, his legacy will endure and inspire generations to come.”
Photo: Disney
A caring and loving father, Gino would always protect his young offspring from the roughhousing of their older siblings. He would also allow his kids to remain in the family troop longer than most silverbacks.
Photo: Disney
Gino’s gentle parenting would eventually open the door for zookeepers at another zoo to smoothly introduce a male into his sons’ troop.
A Medical Trailblazer
In addition to his gentle parenting methods, Gino broke new ground in gorilla care.
Photo: DIsney
Disney’s silverback was one of the first gorillas in the world to allow his caretakers to perform cardiac ultrasounds without the use of anesthesia.
Photo: DIsney
In doing so, he paved the way for zoological facilities nationwide to implement safer ultrasound procedures.
A Lasting Impact
In celebration of World Gorilla Day and to commemorate Gino’s contributions to conservation, Dr. Katie Fawcett, Executive Director of GRACE Gorillas, paid tribute to the late silverback.
“Gino was a true ambassador for gorillas everywhere. His life and care inspired the creation of GRACE, the first and only sanctuary for critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” she said.
Photo: Disney
“Today, rescued gorillas are returned to a life in the wild. Gino’s legacy continues to shape conservation and gorilla wellbeing in the heart of the Congo Rainforest, inspiring the creation of protected habitats where people, forests and wildlife thrive. Thank you, Gino for bridging continents, opening hearts, and changing lives.”
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