Fluffball of Adorableness: Tiger Cub ‘Bakso’ Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In October of 2024, the Disney Conservation team announced that Sohni, an endangered Sumatran Tiger, had given birth to a new cub named Bakso. Since then guests have been able to follow Bakso’s growth on Disney Parks YouTube channel with a live feed called Tiger Tuesdays. Now, guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom can head to the Maharajah Jungle Trek and see Bakso for themselves.
Bakso, a male Sumatran tiger, was born on September 26, 2024, whose name is inspired by the Indonesian word for meatball is the first Sumatran tiger cub born at Disney World in seven years. These big cats are considered an “umbrella species.” In technical terms, conservation efforts to preserve these tigers will extend to other species within their habitat providing cover to other key organisms and living things across the ecosystem. Essentially, by protecting tigers and their habitats, we protect the places where they belong, which is critical to many people around the world.
Like all Sumatran tiger cubs, Bakso will need his mother’s care until he is around 18-24 months old. So the good news is that guests will be able to see the baby grow alongside mom daily at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Maharajah Jungle Trek. Though this tiger may be tiny now, he represents a great contribution to a declining tiger population, with less than 600 Sumatran tigers left in the wild and managed care. Bakso also serves as a beacon of hope for the future of this critically endangered species and for all of those who care for these tigers.
Disney Parks shared a special message today: “This special day is made possible by the unwavering commitment of our animal care experts who have spent the last several months caring for baby Bakso. Their passion for this tiny tiger is inspiring, and a true testament to the incredible care given to all animals in the park. With less than 600 Sumatran tigers left in their wild and in managed care, Bakso is a beacon of hope for this dwindling species and represents incredible efforts made in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to bolster endangered and threatened species populations.“
Guests can now visit the trek to watch him continue to grow alongside his mom, Sohni. Bakso may not be in his habitat during all operating hours as his keepers are allowing him to choose when he wants to join his mom in the habitat. When we went to see this adorable ball of fluff he was shy and did not pop out, but we will be visiting him often to watch him grow.
Sohni (mom) and Conrad (dad) are doing well too. We spotted Sohni out today showing Bakso the new environment. And yes, we did want to go pspspsps and give them pets, until we realized it’s a TIGER!
