Today is the first birthday of Bakso, the tiger cub born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on September 26, 2024. Cast Members threw him a birthday party and WDWNT was lucky enough to be invited.
Bakso’s First Birthday
Bakso was the first Sumatran tiger born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in seven years, representing Disney’s contribution to a declining tiger population. There are less than 600 Sumatran tigers left in the wild.
Bakso debuted on the Maharajah Jungle Trek for guests to see in January 2025, leading to such high demand that Disney temporarily set up a queue just for the tiger cub. His mom Sohni and dad Conrad also live on Maharajah Jungle Trek.
The keepers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom made a birthday cake out of some of Bakso’s favorite snacks: goat milk, blood from meat, and ice.
Attendees got to sign a banner for him.
Bakso unwrapped his birthday present, a green ball.
Though Bakso is not as small as he once was, he’s still growing. Sumatran tigers reach maturity around 3 – 4 years old. Adult males can be up to 8′, 4″ long and weigh up to 310 lb. Still, they are the smallest tiger species.
The keepers said they are proud of Bakso’s development. His curiosity, energy, and training allow him to participate in his own care. That includes the ability to present his tail so they can draw blood, present a paw for inspection, open his mouth for a dental check, and present various body parts of injections. These actions are done through slots to keep the keepers safe.
Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team cares for more than 5,000 animals and over 300 species at Walt Disney World. They partner with the Disney Conservation Fund to save wildlife around the world, inspire action, and protect the planet.
The Disney Conservation Fund is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. They have supported 600+ organizations through grants and provided more than $4.5M to 15 organizations working to protect tigers and their habitats since 1995.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Disney has helped protect 1,000+ species of wildlife and 315M+ acres globally.
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