Disney has announced that Bakso, a Sumatran tiger at its Animal Kingdom park, will be relocated later this fall to another accredited zoo. This move is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which coordinates care for endangered species across institutions. Bakso was born in September 2024 and became an instant favorite with visitors after his public debut in January 2025. His relocation will allow him to eventually breed and contribute to the conservation of Sumatran tigers, a critically endangered species with fewer than 600 individuals remaining in the wild. The tiger’s name was inspired by the Indonesian word for meatball, and he is one of only a few tigers with his unique stripe pattern.
Key Points:
- Bakso will be relocated to another AZA-accredited zoo later this fall.
- His move is part of the AZA’s Species Survival Plan for endangered species conservation.
- Sumatran tigers are critically endangered with fewer than 600 remaining in the wild.