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Bakso the Tiger is Leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom This Fall
If you have visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom over the past two years, there is a good chance you have stopped by to watch Bakso the tiger grow from an adorable cub into a magnificent adult. Now, as he celebrates his second birthday this month, it is almost time for him to embark on his next big adventure.
Disney has announced that Bakso will be leaving the park later this fall to relocate to another zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).
Related – Baby Tiger Bakso’s Mom Sohni Celebrates 14th Birthday at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A Vital Step for Conservation While it is always tough to say goodbye to our favorite animals, Bakso’s upcoming move serves an incredibly important purpose. His relocation is part of a recommendation from the AZA’s Species Survival Plan. This collaborative program helps accredited zoos work together to care for endangered animals and ensure the future of their species in managed care.
Sumatran tigers are critically endangered, with fewer than 600 remaining in the wild. By moving to a new facility, Bakso will eventually have the opportunity to father his own cubs and make a vital contribution to the survival of his species. Just like in the wild, as young tigers mature, they naturally become more independent and move on to establish their own territories. This move is simply a natural next step as Bakso enters adulthood.
Looking Back at Bakso’s Time at Disney Bakso holds a special place in the park’s history. Born in September 2024 to parents Sohni and Conrad, he was the first Sumatran tiger cub born at Walt Disney World in seven years.
When he made his official public debut in January 2025, he instantly became a massive hit with guests. In fact, his debut was so popular that Disney actually had to open a separate queue just for viewing the playful cub!
Fun fact about our favorite big cat—Bakso’s name was actually inspired by the Indonesian word for “meatball.” As carnivores, his meals are specially prepared at Disney’s Animal Nutrition Center. He also boasts a completely unique pattern of stripes, as no two tigers in the world look exactly alike.
Guests hoping to wish him well on his journey can still see Bakso at the Maharajah Jungle Trek for a limited time before he departs this fall.
