Disney Animal Kingdom is mourning the death of Gino, the park’s oldest gorilla who has died at the age of 44.
The park shared the sad news on Wednesday on its Facebook page, saying that the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop “leaves behind an incredible legacy” that includes “14 offspring, global contributions to gorilla care and conservation, and the lasting memories of every cast member and guest he inspired.”
The cause of death was not disclosed.
Gino, a 44-year-old western lowland gorilla who lived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for nearly three decades, has died. Disney says he fathered 14 offspring and contributed to global gorilla care and conservation efforts. pic.twitter.com/sB0vliTy01
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 17, 2025
“For 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,” the statement read. “Though he would have turned 45 this December, Gino’s story will live on in the future of his species and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”
Gino had been at the park since it opened 27 years ago in 1998.
Back in January, Disney Animal Kingdom shared on its Facebook page that it celebrated Gino’s 44th birthday with an 80s-themed party complete with cassette tapes and records to mark his birth year of 1980.
