Bakso the Sumatran tiger cub will soon depart from Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a new habitat in Fall 2026. Born in September 2024, this playful cub became an instant fan favorite since his introduction in January 2025. Visitors watched him grow from a tiny cub into a confident young adult on Maharajah Jungle Trek over the past two years. His upcoming move is part of the AZA’s Species Survival Plan to help conserve critically endangered Sumatran tigers, with fewer than 600 remaining in the wild. The relocation represents a natural step as Bakso enters adulthood and establishes his own territory. Disney emphasizes this transfer supports conservation efforts rather than being a cost-cutting measure or sign of declining tiger populations at Animal Kingdom.
Key Points:
- Bakso was born to his mom Sohni and dad Conrad in September 2024 at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom.
- The Sumatran tiger cub will move to another AZA-accredited zoo later in Fall 2026 after celebrating his second birthday.
- With fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild, Bakso could one day father cubs and contribute to the future of this critically endangered species.
- Disney’s Conservation Fund has provided more than $4.5M to 15 organizations working with communities to protect tigers and their forest habitats since 1995.