Gino, Animal Kingdom’s Iconic Silverback Gorilla, Passes Away at 44
Gino, one of Animal Kingdom’s beautiful silverback gorillas, has passed away. He was 44 years old. Joe Rohde, Imagineer and Animal Kingdom’s lead designer, shared the following tribute on Instagram:
“Gino the gorilla has passed away. He was the silverback leader of the gorillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a generation. Gino was a true alpha male. He was powerful, gentle, humorous, kind, a patient partner to his minders, a great father, and a great model for the young males in his life. I’m sure today and in some following days we will see portraits of him, close up on his thoughtful strong features. But I prefer to remember him like this, not huge and powerful, but wandering peacefully beneath the trees, a creature in the midst of his kingdom. He will be missed.”
Disney shared more details about Gino on social media this morning. The father of 14 offspring, the lowland gorilla was a day one resident of Animal Kingdom. His time in the park helped scientists learn more about gorilla care and conservation. But most importantly, he was a devoted father and troop leader. You can see that in episode 3 of the first season of Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Disney+. You can also see just how much Gino meant to his caregivers. We’re thinking about those Cast Members and Gino’s family today.
Rest in peace, Gino. You will be missed.
