In honor of World Gorilla Day on September 24 and the arrival of Bakari the silverback gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Walt Disney Company will donate $100,000 to support three gorilla organizations.
Gorilla Grant
The money will go to GRACE (the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center), Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and Gorilla Doctors.
Bakari, a 21-year-old male gorilla, arrived at Animal Kingdom from the Saint Louis Zoo in late June. He spent time acclimating to his new home and meeting the family troop before appearing for guests.
For nearly three decades, the family group was led by Gino, who passed away at 44 years old last year.
“Bringing Bakari here is bittersweet because it means we’ve said goodbye to Gino, who was our silverback for almost 30 years since the park’s opening,” said Rachel, animal care manager with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment. “But it’s also incredibly exciting. Bakari is the future of this family troop, and we’re looking forward to watching him grow into that role and hopefully help welcome new generations of gorillas for years to come.”
Last week, Disney shared a video of Bakari getting a wellness checkup at Conservation Station.
GRACE
The mission of GRACE, which is based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, “is to provide excellent care for rescued Grauer’s gorillas and work alongside Congolese communities to promote the conservation of wild gorillas and their habitat.”
Recently, one of four female Grauer’s gorillas (a.k.a. eastern lowland gorillas) rewilded in Virunga National Park gave birth — the first time in history that Grauer’s gorillas rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, rehabilitated in a sanctuary, and reintroduced to the wild have successfully reproduced.
Disney said, “This birth marks a turning point for the critically endangered eastern lowland gorilla and demonstrates that carefully planned, community-led rewilding can reverse extinction trajectories for great apes.”
“Congratulations to our friends at GRACE and the many conservation organizations and local communities that came together for this momentous achievement and conservation success story in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment. “We thank GRACE for their collaboration and commitment to saving Grauer’s gorillas, protecting habitats and inspiring communities throughout the world.”
This was the first time gorillas who had been living at the GRACE sanctuary were rewilded, a process which aims to prevent the extinction of the isolated population of Grauer’s gorillas on Mt. Tshiaberimu in Virunga National Park.
Disney has been involved with GRACE since the center was founded in 2009. Disney experts helped local communities design and build the sanctuary. Cast Members continue to support GRACE’s Congolese staff by lending their expertise to advise on the care and conservation of the species, and inform GRACE’s education outreach strategy that engages over 60,000 community members per year. Disney animal care experts, scientists, veterinarians, and education specialists have helped offer support and train GRACE’s community, animal care and education staff.
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