Bakso, the Sumatran tiger born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom two years ago, will leave the park later this fall. Disney announced on September 28 that he will move to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo, where he could one day father cubs of his own.
Disney has not named the zoo or announced a date for the move. Until he goes, guests can still see him along the Maharajah Jungle Trek in the Asia section of the park.
Why Bakso Is Leaving Animal Kingdom
The move follows a recommendation from the AZA’s Species Survival Plan, a program that helps accredited zoos work together to care for endangered animals and support the future of their species. Fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild, and the species is classified as critically endangered.
Disney described the transfer as a normal part of growing up. Young tigers become more independent as they mature and eventually leave to establish territories of their own. Bakso turned two on September 26 and marked the day with some of his favorite things, including ice treats and goat’s milk.
Moves between accredited zoos run in both directions. This summer Animal Kingdom welcomed Bakari, a western lowland gorilla from the Saint Louis Zoo, who became the silverback of the troop on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
From Cub To Young Adult On Maharajah Jungle Trek
Bakso was born on September 26, 2024, to mother Sohni and father Conrad. He was the first tiger cub born at the park in seven years, and his birth took careful planning by the animal care team and the Species Survival Plan, including weekly ultrasounds during Sohni’s three-month pregnancy.
He spent his first months backstage with his mother before making his public debut on the Maharajah Jungle Trek on January 29, 2025. His name was inspired by the Indonesian word for meatball, and fittingly, his first solid food was a meatball. Since his debut, guests have watched him grow up in the habitat.
Disney’s Work With Tigers
Outside the park, the Disney Conservation Fund has given more than $4.5 million since 1995 to 15 organizations working with communities to protect tigers and their forest habitats. Disney called Bakso part of its joint effort with the Species Survival Plan to bolster populations of endangered and threatened species in managed care.
Guests who want to see Bakso should plan a stop at the Maharajah Jungle Trek before his move later this fall.
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