ORLANDO, Fla. -- The oldest gorilla living at Disney's Animal Kingdom park has died at the age of 44.

Disney confirmed Gino the gorilla's death in a Facebook post Wednesday morning.

Despite his status as the silverback, Gino was often a goofball and engaged with the people and animals around him. Walt Disney World

"For nearly 30 years, Gino touched countless lives at Disney's Animal Kingdom with his playful spirit, gentle humor, and steady presence as a devoted father and troop leader," Disney said.

Gino, a western lowland gorilla, had seen a lot in his life, having been a part of Animal Kingdom's opening day 27 years ago in 1998.

Gino was born in 1980 and had 14 children. The gorilla would have turned 45 years old in December.

When Gino turned 44, Animal Kingdom staff celeb

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