In just a few weeks, Disney says they will be ready to remove the barriers between Bakari and three female gorillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This will allow the group to be together for the first time in public view.
Disney Removing Barrier Between Gorillas
Bakari is a 21-year-old silverback gorilla who was introduced into Animal Kingdom a few months ago, and now the Disney animal care team says they are only weeks away from fully integrating Bakari with the other gorillas.
When talking about how the gorillas currently interact, Rachel Daneault, the primate zoological manager at Disney, said, “They are sitting at those panels all the time. They’ll get their food. They’ll gather it together. They’ll eat next to each other. They’ll make big nests next to them. They’ll sleep next to each other. These are all things we like to see.”
Bakari was first introduced to the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail family troop back in late June, after being transferred from the Saint Louis Zoo. His transfer was part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan.
Daneault recalled Bakari’s first day, “The first day was very funny because he just didn’t know what he wanted. He was kind of upset when they were there, but if they started to walk away, he would start purring at them, like ‘Oh, come back, come back, come back!’”
When the barriers come down between Bakari and the other three female gorillas, they’re hoping Bakari takes on the job of leading a family.
Before the barrier comes down, Bakari needed one last checkup.
“He was probably under anesthesia for about four to five hours,” said Dr. Geoff, Disney World veterinarian and animal health director. “He was such a good boy because he took his hand injection for anesthesia like a champion.”
In honor of World Gorilla Day and the arrival of Bakari the silverback gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Walt Disney Company donated $100,000 to support three gorilla organizations.
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Source: WESH2
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