Tag Archives: Disney’s Animal Kingdom

It’s another boy! Disney Cast Members, guests and animal lovers are celebrating the birth of the second gorilla in one month for the family of critically endangered western lowland gorillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Born Sept. 3 to mother Kashata and father Gino, the healthy infant joins another male gorilla who was born Aug. 7 to Azizi and Gino. The family group also includes another adult female, Benga, and a four-year-old female named Lilly.

“It’s exciting to see a strong, nurturing family of this endangered species flourishing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” said Jay Therien, Animal Operations Manager for Disney’s Animal Programs. ”As our bouncing baby boy bonds with Kashata, we’re thrilled with his health and development.”

As they follow the path that winds along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom may get a glimpse of one of nature’s most endearing sights – a newborn male gorilla cuddling with his mother. Born Aug. 7 to mother Azizi and father Gino, the healthy infant has already become an integral member of his family group, which includes two other adult females, Kashata and Benga and a four-year-old female named Lilly.

Members of the primate team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are closely watching mother and baby to ensure Azizi is adapting to her maternal duties, such as properly holding the baby and keeping up with his demanding nursing schedule. Most gorilla mothers keep their offspring close for several months as the infants adjust to their environment. Gorillas are typically weaned between the ages of four and five, but begin to eat solids between two to six months.