Gino the silverback gorilla, the most senior gorilla in Animal Kingdom’s troop, has passed away. He was 44 years old.

Gino the Gorilla Passes Away

Gino was a Western lowland gorilla who was a fixture on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail from day one — he was part of the troop on Animal Kingdom’s opening date of April 22, 1998. The magnificent male silverback gorilla was often seen atop his rock fixing his intimidating gaze upon guests, inspiring awe in everyone who saw him.

Former Imagineer Joe Rohde announced Gino’s passing on Instagram with distant photos of the animal, writing, “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.”

VP of Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment Dr. Mark Penning also paid tribute. “We are heartbroken to share the passing of Gino, our beloved 44-year-old western lowland gorilla,” he wrote on Instagram. “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.”

“Gino leaves behind an incredible legacy – 14 offspring, global contributions to gorilla care and conservation, and the lasting memories of every cast member and guest he inspired,” Dr. Penning continued. “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. Thank you, Gino. You will always be part of our family.”

In addition to his dominating personality, Gino also became known for his contributions to managed care for gorillas, as written about in the Disney Parks Blog.

Gino’s two daughters, Grace and Ada, are still part of the family troop at Animal Kingdom.

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