As we celebrate World Gorilla Day, we can’t think of a better time to honor the incredible life and legacy of Gino, our 44-year-old western lowland gorilla, and commit $500,000 of continued support for this critically endangered species through the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF).
Gino touched countless lives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with his playful spirit, gentle humor and steady presence. Among the many animals at Disney, Gino left an impact unlike any other – inspiring guests and cast members around the world.
Born on Dec. 30, 1980, at the Rotterdam Zoo in the Netherlands, Gino arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1997 before the park officially opened to our guests. For nearly 30 years, he called Disney home, and he loved our guests and cast members as much as they loved him. And it’s easy to see why he was a majestic icon – not only in the park – but across the zoological community.
Gino had a special gift for connecting with people – impressing parents with his gentle fathering style, delighting children with his playful nature and even posing for the camera at times. These moments not only brought joy but also awakened in many a lifelong passion for conservation and protecting this magnificent species.
“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.”
Gino Was a Caring Father & Gentle Leader
Family was at the heart of Gino’s world. Through close bonds with his troop, he showed how love, guidance, and connection are essential to a gorilla’s life and inspired all who watched him grow and thrive as a family leader.
He fathered 14 offspring across seven states, making critical contributions to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan – a cooperative effort among accredited zoos to appropriately manage breeding in managed care.
As a dad, Gino lovingly protected his youngest offspring from the roughhousing of his older kids, and he allowed his kids to remain in the family troop far longer than typically seen among silverbacks.
In fact, his example of tolerance allowed keepers at another AZA-accredited zoo, where two of his sons now live, to smoothly introduce another male into their bachelor troop. Gino’s calm demeanor and remarkable example will continue to guide and benefit gorilla populations far beyond Disney for generations to come.
And Gino’s lineage is helping to ensure the health and genetic diversity of future gorilla generations. His contributions are so significant that Gino’s likeness was the inspiration for the Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) logo.
“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.”
Pioneer in Animal Care Advancements
Through his trusted relationships with our veterinarians and animal care experts, Gino was open to participating in his own care – changing the way many gorilla caregivers now conduct medical exams.
He was one of the first gorillas in the world to allow caretakers to perform cardiac ultrasounds without anesthesia. This provided a more accurate reading of his heart health, crucial to gorillas since they are prone to cardiac disease. This also enabled his keepers to train and develop important techniques which benefit gorillas in managed care and around the globe.
Thanks to the path Gino paved, dozens of zoos have successfully used these methods to train gorillas for procedures without anesthesia, helping veterinarians detect medical issues early and contribute to global knowledge that protects gorillas everywhere.
How Disney Supports Gorillas in the Wild
Our legacy of protecting the magic of nature through the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) started at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, built upon the deep responsibility we felt for ensuring a future for wildlife – including gorillas like Gino. Since then, the DCF has supported community-based efforts focused on recovering gorillas across the majority of countries where they still can be found. Over the past 30 years, the DCF has directed more than $4.5M in support to help protect every subspecies of gorilla and the habitats they call home.
“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,” said Dr. Katie Fawcett, Executive Director of GRACE Gorillas. “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.”
As we celebrate Gino and his tremendous impact, we are also proud to continue our commitment to gorillas through $500,000 in support of the important work of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE). These two highly regarded organizations are helping to support community efforts to protect a collective 3,500 square kilometers of forest corridor habitat, critical to the survival of the critically endangered eastern lowland gorillas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“We celebrate Gino’s legacy not only in the joy he brought to those who visited him, but in the awareness he helped raise for the urgent need to protect gorillas in the wild. On this World Gorilla Day, the inspiration of Gino’s life is a reminder that together we can ensure a future for gorillas and their forest homes, which help maintain a healthy planet for us all,” said Dr. Tara Stoinski, CEO/Chief Scientific Officer, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
While we mourn this profound loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary gift of Gino’s life.
Thank you, Gino. You will always be part of our family.
