Disney Shares Update on Critically Endangered Animal Inside Florida Theme Park

Disney has big news for animal lovers.

A park ranger interacts with two children at a zoo or wildlife park. They are standing by a pond with pink flamingos. The ranger is pointing towards the water while the children observe. The area is lush with greenery and has a serene outdoor atmosphere. — Credit: Disney

Dr. Mark Penning, along with the Walt Disney World Resort, has announced that Sohni, the tiger, is pregnant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.

Penning is Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment, overseeing many elements of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He shared the update on his personal Instagram account, and fans and guests expressed excitement over the news.

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A post shared by Dr. Mark Penning (@drmarkatdisney)

First look 👀 If you’re visiting Maharajah Jungle Trek, be sure to congratulate the soon-to-be parents. I’ll give you a hint. Think stripes on Maharajah Jungle Trek!🐅 We’re carefully monitoring mom and her expectant bundle of stripes and will share more soon.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is especially unique, being both a traditional theme park and an actual wildlife exhibit similar to a zoo.

However, Disney made it very clear in the park’s original marketing that Animal Kingdom is anything but a regular zoo, allowing guests to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most fascinating creatures, all while learning about and exploring the various countries and cultures associated with those animals.

Similar to EPCOT’s World Showcase, Animal Kingdom is a theme park focused on authenticity and storytelling. The massive park immerses guests in different regions they may never get to experience otherwise.

What makes this announcement so exciting is that Sohni is part of a critically endangered species.

Sohni The Sumatran Tiger

A majestic Bengal tiger, a critically endangered animal, with striking orange and black stripes walks through dense foliage. Its piercing eyes are focused forward as it steps gracefully on the green grass. Tall plants and trees form a lush, natural background. — Credit: Disney

Sohnni is a Sumatran tiger, a critically endangered species found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Sumatrans are the only surviving tiger population in the Sunda Islands, where other species like Bali and Javan tigers have gone entirely extinct.

Sohni gave birth to two cubs back in 2017. It’s estimated that between 400-500 Sumatran tigers are left in the world, making today’s announcement that much more special.

The father of this new Sumatran cub is Conrad, who joined Disney’s Animal Kingdom park back in 2022 as part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Survival Plan.

“Disney is proud to play an important role in the worldwide conservation and understanding of Sumatran tigers,” said Dr. Penning in a blog post from 2017.” Fewer than 500 Sumatran tigers exist in the wild, as the species is facing significant threats like habitat loss, poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.

The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) is working with groups like the Wildlife Conservation Society on its Reverse the Decline initiative to develop strategies for saving these amazing animals. To date, DCF has provided nearly $4 million to support the conservation of wild cat species like tigers, lions and snow leopards in 25 countries around the world.”

Do you enjoy seeing all of the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? What’s your favorite place to explore at Walt Disney World?