It’s hard to believe it but Bakso the Sumatran tiger turns two years old today! For the last two years, Disney fans have delighted in watching this young cub grow into a full-fledged Sumatran tiger. As he turned two today, he is being given the gift of a new home and the chance to help his species recover.

While Bakso has captured the hearts of fans as they have visited him at the Maharajah Jungle Trek, his next chapter will be even more impactful! He will soon be leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom and moving to another Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) – accredited zoo later this fall. This is an incredibly important move as there are currently fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild. In his new home, Bakso could one day father his own cubs and help contribute to the future of this endangered species.

Two Years of Bakso

Bakso was born to mom Sohni and dad Conrad in September 2024. He immediately became a star. From the moment he first appeared to the public, he has captured the hearts of guests. Over the last two years, he grew into a beautiful young tiger who is full of curiosity and a spirit of adventure, Disney says. The name Bakso was inspired by the Indonesian word for “meatball.”

Disney also shared that as Bakso grows up, just as all young tigers do, they become naturally more independent. They also want to move on to establish territories of their own. The upcoming move of Bakso is a natural next step as he enters adulthood.

The Next Chapter

Bakso’s move is a part of a recommendation from the AZA’s Species Survival Plan. This is a program that helps accredited zoos work together to care for endangered animals and also support the future of their species with managed care. This hopefully helps these species come back from the brink of endangerment.

There will still be time for guests to visit Bakso before he departs. They can visit him this fall on the Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Beyond Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Disney Conservation Fund continues to make a difference for wildlife around the globe. As part of Disney Planet Possible, the Disney Conservation Fund has given more than $4.5 million to 15 organizations that work with communities to protect tigers and their forest habitats since 1995.

What do you think about this Bakso news? Are you going to see him before he leaves Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Are you excited about this next chapter in his story? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!