Sumatran Tiger Cub Makes His Official Debut at Disney's Animal Kingdom: 'He Has Grown Up Before Our Eyes'

Mar. 15, 2025

Bakso the tiger cub at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida.Photo:Walt Disney World | Olga Thompson, Photographer

Walt Disney World | Olga Thompson, Photographer

ASumatran tiger cubhas made his official debut atDisney’s Animal Kingdom!

The animal, named Bakso, debuted on the Maharajah Jungle Trek at the Orlando, Fla., theme park on Wednesday, Jan. 29, according to a press release shared with PEOPLE.

Bakso was born on Sept. 26, 2024, to 13-year-old mom Sohni and 12-year-old dad Conrad, who both also live on the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

“From his very first check-up to his adventures with mom — he has grown up before our eyes,” a Disney spokesperson said.

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Bakso the tiger cub at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida.Walt Disney World | Olga Thompson, Photographer

According to Disney, Bakso is the first tiger cub born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in seven years.

His birth, the company said, is “an important milestone for both the park and the conservation of this critically endangered species.”

There are currently less than 600 Sumatran tigers in the wild and in managed care across the globe, per theInternational Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

“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,” Disney said.

source: people.com