Tragedy Falls Upon Animal Kingdom in Disney World
It is a heartbreaking day at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Join us in supporting the Cast Members at the center of the sadness.
Heartbreaking News at Animal Kingdom
The animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom inspire hope and joy for Walt Disney World Guests as well as Cast Members and Animal Care Experts. We love the new life that springs up as part of Disney Conservation. In fact, the parks are gearing up to celebrate the first birthday of Disney's popular tiger Bakso.
But if Disney has taught us anything, it is that life is a circle, and what begins must also end. Even so, it is with a heavy heart that we share Disney's sad announcement that one of Animal Kingdom's most popular residents has died.
Gino, the troop leader of Disney's Western lowland gorillas, has passed away at age 44. Guests often encountered Gino on Gorilla Falls Expedition Trails. And countless viewers remember him from The Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom on Disney+.
Gino's Legacy and Impact
Gino lived in Animal Kingdom for nearly 30 years. He was one of the remaining opening-day animals and has lived in the park since 1998.
According to Disney, "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 has provided a gateway to learning for many guests that leads to conservation awareness.
Moreover, Gino has impacted animal conservation and left a lasting legacy. He is the father of 14 offspring, which is a huge win for the survival of the species. He will continue to impact conservation efforts even in his absence.
The Legacy Lives On
Of course, the impact of this amazing creature also lives on through the Guests who were impacted by gorilla encounters and every Animal Care Expert who worked with him and will continue to work with other animals in the future. Our hearts are especially heavy for the animal care team, who doubtless are grieving this loss. We know they will continue to do amazing work that impacts our world in a positive way.
Our hearts are especially heavy for the Cast Members who loved Gino.
If you wish to make an impact in Gino's honor, it is possible to donate to Disney Conservation during your visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom. You can become a "Conservation Hero" with even a dollar.
Did you ever have a chance to see Gino at Disney's Animal Kingdom? Feel free to share your stories in the comments. And, pass the story along to those who will want to take a moment to remember this remarkable animal.
We love Gino! Such a sweet creature. It will be so different without him, but his legacy will live on through his offspring!
We were there last week and Gino was near the window with the kids playing. The youngest one was pounding his chest. I am sure the loss has greatly affected Gino’s family.
Beautiful creatures, so sorry for your loss. Please tell Paul, I hope that’s correct, (originally from New Jersey)hello from the ladies that talked with him for quite awhile, learning as much as we could about these animals. We learned the Gorillas would let you brush their teeth. ( We both work in dentistry.). Sad day.
Anytime any animal dies, it's a sad time but especially so for one who touched so many lives. He will live on with his off-spring and hopefully they can touch as many lives as he did.
I love gino I see him 2 weeks ago I have alot pictures of him and his family. I love you gino rest in peace
We are at Walt Disney World now and just saw Gino on Sunday! He was sitting quietly with his daughter Grace while his younger daughter jumped on him and he gently pushed her away to run off and play. I have been visiting this gorilla family at Animal Kingdom for years, and I’m honestly heartbroken about Gino’s passing. I’m glad I visited him Sunday.
Thank you for sharing that sweet story. How heartbreaking. I am glad you got to enjoy him playing with his family one last time.
We stood and watched him and a couple of the other gorillas when we were at the park at the end of June this past summer. A majestic animal.
Agree-he was absolutely beautiful. I am glad you got to see him one last time.
Gino was my husband’s favorite we always went to see Gino every trip we are very sad on Gino’s passing
Thank you for sharing this LuAnn. How wonderful to have gotten to see Gino, but how sad that his part in the magic is over. Although it won't be the same, if you have a mind to, I hope you are able to at least see some of his descendants on future trips.