Bakso, the Sumatran tiger, is leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom later this fall. Disney announced the move today as it celebrated his second birthday. He is moving to another Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoo on the recommendation of the AZA’s Species Survival Plan. Disney has not named the zoo or given a departure date. Guests can still see Bakso on Maharajah Jungle Trek before he leaves.
Bakso the Sumatran Tiger Is Leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom This Fall
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Why Disney says Bakso is moving and how the Species Survival Plan works
- What Disney’s animal care team says about raising him
- A timeline of Bakso’s story so far at Animal Kingdom
Why Bakso Is Leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney describes the move as a natural step. Young tigers become more independent as they mature and eventually move on to establish territories of their own. The Species Survival Plan is a program that helps AZA-accredited zoos work together to care for endangered animals.
Fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild, Disney says. It’s that same scarcity that ties Bakso’s move to the future of the species. Disney says Bakso could one day father cubs of his own.
Beyond the park, Disney says the Disney Conservation Fund has provided more than $4.5M to 15 organizations working with communities to protect tigers and their forest habitats since 1995. Conrad, Bakso’s father, joined Maharajah Jungle Trek in 2022 on a Species Survival Plan recommendation, the same process that now sends Bakso elsewhere.
Disney says guests still have time to visit Bakso on Maharajah Jungle Trek before he leaves. The exhibit sits in the Asia section of the park.
Story So Far
- Sohni gave birth to Bakso on September 26, 2024, the first tiger birth at Disney in seven years, as we reported at the time.
- Bakso made his public debut on Maharajah Jungle Trek in late January 2025, drawing crowds from his first day in the exhibit.
- Hour-long waits led Cast Members to reverse the trail’s foot traffic pattern in early February 2025.
- By late February 2025, demand had moderated enough for Disney to return trail operations to normal.
- We visited Bakso for his first birthday last September, when the animal care team marked the day with ice treats and goat’s milk.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!