Meet Bakso: Disney's Animal Kingdom Welcomes Rare Sumatran Tiger Cub

Oct 17, 2024 in "Maharajah Jungle Trek"

Posted: Thursday October 17, 2024 9:55am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney's Animal Kingdom has welcomed a rare Sumatran tiger cub, marking the first birth of its kind at the park in seven years.

The cub, named Bakso, was born under the care of the park's animal care team, adding hope for the future of a critically endangered species. With fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild and in managed care, the arrival of Bakso holds significance not only for conservation efforts but also for the species' survival.

Watch the video below to see Basko and Sohni

Bakso's mother, Sohni, was closely monitored throughout her pregnancy by a team of veterinarians and animal care experts led by Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko. Advanced technology, including frequent ultrasounds and blood tests, played a crucial role in tracking Sohni's and her cub's health. The level of care extended to Sohni's participation in her own care, thanks to her successful training by the animal care team.

Dr. Mylniczenko emphasized the importance of this birth, especially as wild tigers face ongoing threats to their survival. "Tigers are in steep decline in the wild, so it is very special to welcome a new baby here at Disney," she noted. The birth of Bakso reflects a broader effort to strengthen the population of Sumatran tigers through Disney's collaborations with organizations like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan (SSP). These programs aim to protect endangered species in both managed care and the wild.

Bakso will remain under his mother's care until he's around 18-24 months old, at which point guests will be able to see him and Sohni on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, likely starting in early 2025. This marks another milestone in Disney's ongoing efforts to support animal conservation, a mission that extends beyond the park.

Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has provided support to numerous organizations working to protect tigers and their habitats. Most recently, a grant was awarded to the Wildlife Conservation Society to aid in safeguarding tigers in the wild.

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DCBaker9 days ago

Disney has a new weekly YouTube series focusing on a behind-the-scenes look at Bakso and Sohni as they gets ready for his big debut on the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Episode one premieres in 5 minutes:

CompedOct 20, 2024

Now I want a plushie...

jeanericuser001Oct 19, 2024

Disney just got a serious moneymaker there. Tons of people will be coming just to see the young tiger cub. The plushes sales alone are gonna be a big money maker.

CompedOct 16, 2024

At minimum. I'd expect probably closer to Feb though.

spectromagic04Oct 16, 2024

I can’t wait until he’s on the jungle trek!!! Probably not until January.

DCBakerOct 16, 2024

Meet Bakso:

ToTBellHopSep 13, 2024

Yay! Here’s to a healthy cub for them!

DCBakerSep 13, 2024

Conrad is about to be a dad - Sohni is pregnant:

JoeCamelNov 07, 2022

Did they hire Carole Baskin?

ToTBellHopNov 06, 2022

For $109, you can feed him a treat and then he will sit on your lap while you eat a cupcake.

MovieloverNov 06, 2022

Kitty!

ToTBellHopNov 03, 2022

I witnessed her using the Lightning Lane for RotR last year and I’m confident she did not pay. I’m just so tired of the way others behave. Such entitlement. I said, “ma’am, there’s a line,” but her response was just a growl. I still get upset thinking about it.

NeaunderhillNov 03, 2022

AK awhile back had 1 older male and 1 adult female. These 2 had babies 1 girl cub and 1 boy cub. After the cubs the older male died leaving just the mom and 2 cubs. The male cub was getting moved out and the female cub was staying. Also a new adult male (conrad) was being brought in for breeding. So they should still (last I heard) have 2 females ( mom and girl cub) but usually just 1 on display and the other backstage and 1 new male (conrad). Hopefully we get new cubs in the future.

drew81Nov 02, 2022

I think she went to the Honolulu Zoo.