A silverback gorilla has undergone a routine medical check-up — in front of a crowd of onlookers.
21-year-old Bakari had the health check months after arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida.
The male western lowland gorilla arrived in July 2026 and is being tipped to become the next leader of its gorilla family.
Footage shared by Disney Parks shows the enormous primate being brought unconscious into the veterinary surgery as medical staff carry out his examination.
In a touching moment, one member of the veterinary team can be seen holding Bakari’s hand as he lies sedated during the procedure.
The check-up comes as Bakari settles into his new home and prepares for what could be a major role within the park’s gorilla troop.
He is expected to succeed Gino, the family’s previous silverback, following his remarkable 30-year reign as leader.
Disney is also marking Bakari’s arrival with a major boost for gorilla conservation efforts in the wild.
The Disney Conservation Fund is awarding $100,000 in new grants to three organizations working to protect gorillas: the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and Gorilla Doctors.
The funding will support efforts to conserve gorilla populations and protect their habitats.
