BAY LAKE, Fla. – Bakso, the beloved Sumatran tiger who won hearts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is celebrating his second birthday — and preparing for a big move.
Born in September 2024 to parents Sohni and Conrad, he made his public debut in January 2025 on the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Over the past two years, guests have watched him grow from a curious cub into a confident young adult.
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News 6 followed Bakso from the very beginning and was there for his show debut.
According to Disney, later this fall, Bakso will relocate to another Association of Zoos & Aquariums-accredited zoo as part of a recommendation from the AZA’s Species Survival Plan — a program that helps accredited zoos collaborate on the care of endangered animals. With fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild, Bakso could one day father cubs and contribute to the survival of the critically endangered species.
“People don’t realize how different every tiger’s personality truly is,” said Michelle, a Behavioral Husbandry Manager at the park. “The best part of my role is getting a front row seat to all of the small moments that shape Bakso’s personality.”
Beyond Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Conservation Fund has provided more than $4.5 million to 15 organizations protecting tigers and their forest habitats since 1995. Guests can still visit Bakso on the Maharajah Jungle Trek before he heads off on his next adventure.
The Maharajah Jungle Trek, a walk-through attraction for all heights and ages, is commonly open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the park’s Asia section.
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