Bakso, Sumatran tiger, and mom, Sohni, have been capturing the hearts of the animal care team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since his birth in September. Bakso 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 to all of those who care for these tigers.
Bakso recently made his official onstage debut on the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Over the past few weeks, Bakso has reached important milestones. From his very first check-up to his adventures with mom – he has grown up before our eyes. Now, he is stepping out alongside his mom Sohni for the first time. Bakso has now begun exploring his new world as his animal keepers proudly watched.
One of the most important parts of Bakso’s growth is his developmental progress and his ongoing training with mom Sohni, which is key in supporting his health and wellbeing. While he’s still a little hesitant about some of the more complex tasks ahead, his training has been instrumental in building trust with his keepers and preparing him to participate in routine care. Eventually, the team hopes he will become comfortable with voluntarily participating in medical exams. Positive reinforcement is key in this training process, and his keepers say he is responding well.
As Bakso grows, he’s also becoming more confident. While his training is moving along well, Bakso isn’t quite ready for swimming and other big steps, which will happen when the time is right. For now, Bakso is enjoying plenty of playtime in the hay with his enrichment, like hay, logs, and time out in the side yard. Sohni is also getting in on the fun, sometimes playing with him as he scurries around.
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.
This special day is made possible by the unwavering commitment of 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.
Here are some fun facts about Bakso the Sumatran tiger.
- Bakso, a male Sumatran tiger, was born on September 26, 2024.
- Bakso’s mother is Sohni (13 years old), his father is Conrad (12 years old). Both live on Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
- Bakso is the first tiger cub born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in seven years, marking an important milestone for both the park and the conservation of this critically endangered species.
- With less than 600 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild and in managed care, Bakso’s birth is a critical contribution to efforts aimed at preserving and protecting this iconic species. (Source: IUCN)
- Bakso’s growth has captured the hearts of thousands of people worldwide, who have followed his journey through the weekly “Tiger TV Tuesdays” updates on YouTube.
- Thanks to Disney’s world-class animal care team, Bakso has successfully reached many of the milestones necessary to join his habitat on Maharajah Jungle Trek.
- Bakso symbolizes hope for the future of his species, representing powerful efforts in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan (SSP), to help safeguard and rebuild populations of endangered species in managed care globally.
What do you think of Bakso making his Animal Kingdom debut? Do you enjoy visiting the Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments.
