In a significant milestone for wildlife conservation, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has introduced its newest resident: Bakso, a male Sumatran tiger cub born on September 26, 2024. This birth is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first Sumatran tiger cub born at the park in seven years.
Bakso made his public debut on January 29, 2025, at the Maharajah Jungle Trek, accompanied by his mother, Sohni. Guests visiting the Orlando, Florida, theme park can now observe the young cub exploring his habitat under the watchful eye of his mother.
The birth of Bakso holds significant importance for the conservation of Sumatran tigers, a critically endangered species with fewer than 600 individuals remaining in the wild and in managed care. This decline is primarily due to habitat loss and poaching.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a longstanding commitment to wildlife conservation. The park collaborates with various organizations to protect endangered species and their habitats. The arrival of Bakso underscores these efforts and highlights the park’s role in global conservation initiatives.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund provides financial and technical support to restore tiger populations to healthy numbers in the wild. Collaborating with national governments, U.S. agencies, and other partners, the fund implements strategic, results-based approaches to tiger conservation in Asia.
Visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom are encouraged to visit the Maharajah Jungle Trek to see Bakso and learn more about Sumatran tigers and ongoing conservation efforts. As Bakso continues to grow and adapt to his environment, his journey serves as a symbol of hope for the future of his species.
The birth and public debut of Bakso at Disney’s Animal Kingdom not only provide guests with a unique opportunity to observe a young Sumatran tiger but also emphasize the critical importance of conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.
