Endangered gorilla born at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Aug 18, 2014 in "Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail"

Posted: Monday August 18, 2014 10:00am EDT by WDWMAGIC Staff

A newborn male gorilla is the latest addition to Pangani Forest Exploration Trail at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Born August 7 2014 to mother Azizi and father Gino, the baby gorilla has now joined the family group while being closely watched by the Disney Animal Programs team.

“We’re pleased with the way Azizi is bonding with her baby and meeting his needs,” said Jay Therien, Animal Operations Manager for Disney’s Animal Programs. ”As we work to maintain the population of critically endangered western lowland gorillas, healthy babies like this little guy are critical to the survival of his species.”

The new baby, which is yet to be named, is the fourth gorilla born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan, which manages genetic diversity among species through detailed records of individual animals. The first gorilla birth at Disney’s Animal Kingdom occurred in 1997 before the park opened, the second baby arrived in 1999 and the third was born in 2010.

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dupacAug 19, 2014

It's a good week for Western Lowland Gorillas! Another was born at the OKC zoo. The gorillas are my favorite at AK. Such a beautiful exhibit.

DVCPlutoAug 19, 2014

So so cute!! We're hoping to see the new baby in Dec. Wonder what the name will be... My 6yo has come up with Chester (since they bang on their chests), Erg (no clue why), and Jimmy.

FaithTrustAndPixieDustAug 18, 2014

I had no idea this was the 4th one born in AK! Thats great! Way to go Disney in helping to preserve endangered animals!

HRHPrincessArielAug 18, 2014

Awesome!

FutureCEOAug 18, 2014

I want one

pixargalAug 18, 2014

Congratulations, Azizi and Gino! You have an adorable baby. Hope to see him during our trip in December.

Nemo14Aug 18, 2014

soooo cute!!!!