Walt Disney World has had a milestone day with their endangered Sumatran Tigers. Today, for the first time ever, baby tiger cub, Bakso, stepped out into his enclosure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Located in the Maharajah Jungle Trek, Bakso and his mom, Sohni, should be out and about every morning now (weather and animal permitting).
Sumatran Tiger Cub debuts alongside mother, Sohni
After months of preparation and careful watching, Disney felt it was time to debut Bakso to the world. Bakso was born September 26, 2024 to mom Sohni (13 years old) and father Conrad (12 years old). Disney stated, “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.”
During today’s visit, we saw mother Sohni take quick strides out into her enclosure. This space is not new to her, as she is regularly the star of the show. But now Bakso is ready to steal the hearts of all those who visit the Maharajah Jungle Trek.
Bakso himself was not as quick to exit, waiting around 30 minutes before he felt confident enough to come out and explore. Sohni continually came back and encouraged him to walk out and explore. She even began chuffing to let Bakso know it was safe to come out. Erica Huffstodt, an Animal Keeper at Disney’s Animal Kingdom said, “She would chuff at him, just to let him know ‘Hey it’s alright, I’m here.'” Huffstodt continued, “It’s a friendly noise…letting him know its alright [to come out into the enclosure].”
How to see baby tiger, Bakso?
Bakso will be out in this habitat, as long as weather permits and he wants to come out into the enclosure, every day from now on. Visitation to this area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is included with standard park admission. Check the My Disney Experience app for exact hours, as this trail can close earlier than the park does, usually when the sun sets.
Trained Cast Members walk through this trail, and all around Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, to answer questions and explain animal behaviors. Huffstodt recommended visiting within the first few hours of the day for the best chances to see Bakso and his mother active in the area.
Even during the limited time we were able to watch Bakso, we could see his personality and energy. Tiger cubs are rare to see, and this bundle of curiosity should get more and more comfortable with his habitat everyday.
Animal Experiences at Walt Disney World
For those who want even more, Walt Disney World does offer a range of animal experiences at their hotels and theme parks. Disney’s Animal Kingdom has everything from a behind-the-scenes tours of their Elephant care center to a curated dining experience on the savannah (skip to 9:22 for a breakdown of that experience).
