At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a very important date is quickly approaching. On September 26, 2025, the park will honor the first birthday of Bakso, a Sumatran tiger cub whose arrival has become a highlight for the park and for conservation efforts worldwide.
Bakso was born on September 26, 2024, to parents Sohni and Conrad. He is the first Sumatran tiger cub born at the park in seven years. His name, pronounced “bach-soh,” translates to “meatball” in Bahasa Indonesia.
From the beginning, Bakso’s story has been shared with guests. Through the digital series “Tiger TV Tuesdays,” fans could watch his earliest moments—from wellness checks to enrichment activities that included scents such as lemongrass. His caretakers even modified his environment with hay and drained water features so that he could explore safely.
Bakso spent those first months backstage, bonding with Sohni. On January 29, 2025, he finally made his public debut at the Maharajah Jungle Trek. His appearance immediately drew high guest interest, with wait times for the attraction reaching 90 minutes after he and Sohni first appeared together. Since then, Disney’s team has carefully managed the flow of guests eager for a glimpse of him.
Bakso represents more than just a new face at Animal Kingdom. His birth is part of the Species Survival Plan overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which supports the future of endangered species like the Sumatran tiger. With fewer than 600 of these tigers remaining in the wild and in managed care, each cub adds hope for their future.
Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, recently shared on Instagram that Bakso will be treated to special enrichment on his big day this year. Guests visiting the Maharajah Jungle Trek may see him exploring with Sohni, especially during morning hours when he is most active.
As the park celebrates Bakso’s milestone, preparations also continue elsewhere in Animal Kingdom. DinoLand U.S.A. is being replaced by Pueblo Esperanza, a new area themed to the Tropical Americas, which is expected to debut in 2027. Guests can look forward to attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, along with additional experiences.
The official Walt Disney World Resort website describes the Jungle Trek as a place where explorers can “cross towering footbridges, roam around jungle bends, behold cascading waterfalls, and stand in the shadow of a palace frozen in time.” For now, it’s also where Bakso and Sohni can be spotted as this remarkable first year is celebrated.
