Disney’s Animal Kingdom Welcomes New-Born Gorilla
Animal lovers across the nation can rejoice because Disney has delivered some spectacular and adorable news. A critically endangered female western lowland gorilla was born on Wednesday, May 1 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and her name is Grace.
Disney officials say her birth was an important step in sustaining the species, which has been in decline in recent years due to hunting and habitat loss.
As part of the Species Survival Plan, which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Grace’s parents, mother Kashata and father Gino, were selected to breed. The plan ensures responsible breeding of critically endangered species so that they will have healthy, genetically diverse populations for years to come.
Grace was given her name after the GRACE gorilla sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is dedicated to helping gorillas orphaned by poaching, according to Disney officials. Disney itself has spent more than 10 years helping the GRACE team and local community rehabilitate orphaned gorillas and protect the species in the wild.
Although Grace was just recently born, visitors at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will eventually be able to see her on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Are you excited to see a western lowland gorilla on your next Walt Disney World Resort trip?
By: Maytinee Kramer
