Disney's Animal Kingdom Welcomes New Baby Gorilla

The Animal Programs team at Disney's Animal Kingdom has proudly announced a new addition to the Western Lowland Gorilla family group! Born on August 7th, 2014 to mother Azizi and silverback dad Gino, the healthy and yet to be named infant has already become and cherished part of his family.


Momma Azizi And New Baby Boy


Disney reports that Momma, Azizi, "has been doing great with her new baby boy." The new arrival's early days will be spent with nursing and learning how to travel around the enclosure by hanging onto mom without her assistance. Other members of the family group have shown a healthy curiosity for the new little guy, especially his older sister, four-year-old gorilla, Lilly. Animal team members say that "both Azizi and Gino have been disciplining Lilly appropriately if she gets too rambunctious" with the babe.

Disney's Animal Kingdom participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan by managing genetic diversity among species through keeping detailed records of individual animals, and participating in a transfer program to "ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically varied AZA population." The new baby was the fourth gorilla to be born to Disney's Animal Kingdom's remarkable gorilla family group. The first birth occurred in 1997 before the park opened to the public, the second baby arrived in 1999 and the third was born in 2010.


Azizi And Baby Are Western Lowland Gorillas


Animal Kingdom Guests trekking the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail can help welcome this tiniest new addition to the family. The trail's winding paths are the perfect vestige of lush tropical African landscape. The self-guided forest tour includes a stop at the Endangered Animal Rehabilitation Center, inside a spectacular aviary of colorful birds, and past and underwater observation area before making its way to the home of Disney's Gorilla troop.

Be sure to stop in and pay your respects as this adorable new family member discovers his home.