BAY LAKE, Fla. – One of the first animals to call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home and the oldest gorilla at the park has died.
Gino, a Western lowland gorilla, died at 44 years old. He was one of the park’s opening-day animals when the park opened in 1998.
“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,” Disney posted on social media.
Gino was one of the first gorillas to participate in cardiac ultrasounds without anesthesia, contributing to science and the advancement of care for gorillas globally.
“Gino has been a symbol of the park’s enduring efforts to save critically endangered species – inspiring millions of guests to save animals just like him," Disney said back in January.
He leaves behind 14 offspring, including Grace and Ada who can also be seen at the park.
Gino would have turned 45 in December.