Credit: gardener41, FlickrDisney World guests will want to save the date.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a brand-new star, and his name is Bakso. Born on September 26, 2024, to proud parents Sohni and Conrad, this critically endangered Sumatran tiger cub has quickly become one of the park’s most talked-about additions.
His name, pronounced “bach-soh,” translates to “meatball” in Bahasa Indonesia—a fitting choice, considering one of his first milestones included enjoying a tiny meatball as his very first solid meal. Bakso is the first Sumatran tiger cub born at Animal Kingdom in seven years, making his arrival especially meaningful as part of Disney’s ongoing commitment to conservation. With fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers left in the wild and managed care combined, every birth is a crucial step forward in protecting the species.
For his first months, Bakso spent time backstage with his mom, bonding and learning the basics under the watchful eyes of his dedicated caretakers. Fans followed along through a video series called “Tiger TV Tuesdays,” which showcased his earliest moments—health checks, enrichment play with scents like lemongrass, and even those important first bites of solid food. As he grew, keepers made adjustments to his environment, even temporarily draining water features and adding hay to help him safely explore his new world.
Disney’s animal care team notes that Bakso isn’t out every day—he gets to choose when he feels comfortable joining his mom in the public habitat. Those who want the best chance to see him should visit the Jungle Trek in the mornings, when he’s often most active. His arrival has even influenced operations at the trek, with Disney adjusting flow and crowd control to manage the high interest surrounding him.
Bakso also represents Disney’s continued role in global conservation. His birth is part of the Species Survival Plan, a collaborative effort led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to ensure the long-term future of endangered species like the Sumatran tiger.
Bakso officially made his onstage debut on January 29, 2025, at the Maharajah Jungle Trek, and since then, guests have eagerly sought out a glimpse of the playful cub alongside Sohni. According to Kenny the Pirate, wait times for the Maharajah Jungle Trek attraction hit 90 minutes following Bakso and Sohni’s first public appearance.
That time could be replicated very soon, as Disney tells guests to mark September 26, 2025, on their calendars. Sharing on his Instagram, Dr. Mark Penning, the Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment at Walt Disney World Resort, told guests to prepare for a special moment on September 26.
It’s true, Sumatran tiger Bakso’s first birthday is nearly here! Mark your calendars for a wild celebration of the first year of life for this (not-so) little meatball. He’ll be getting special birthday enrichment in his habitat on Maharajah Jungle Trek
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Bakso’s first birthday comes amid wider changes to the Animal Kingdom theme park at Disney World. DinoLand U.S.A. is all but dismantled as Disney prepares to construct the Tropical Americas-themed Pueblo Esperanza area. The new location, which is expected to open in 2027, will include Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions, as well as multiple other experiences for guests to enjoy.
More on the Maharajah Jungle Trek
“Cross towering footbridges, roam around jungle bends, behold cascading waterfalls, and stand in the shadow of a palace frozen in time. Hop into a chirping aviary where over 50 species of birds soar free,” the official Walt Disney World Resort website writes. “Legend has it that the Anandapur Royal Forest was once the hunting ground of wealthy maharajahs; today it’s a lush tropical paradise you can explore on a self-guided tour.”
Will you be heading down to Disney World’s Animal Kingdom this September 26? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!