For nearly three decades, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has immersed guests in breathtaking wildlife encounters, blending education with conservation. The park has always been home to some of the most majestic creatures, but its latest arrival has visitors lining up for hours just for a glimpse.
On September 26, 2024, Animal Kingdom celebrated the birth of Bakso, a rare and critically endangered Sumatran tiger cub. His arrival was a monumental moment, both for conservation efforts and for Disney fans eager to see him in person.
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Now, after months of bonding with his mother, Sohni, Bakso has finally made his public debut at the Maharajah Jungle Trek, and the response has been overwhelming.
A Conservation Success Story
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has always been more than a theme park—it’s a leader in wildlife conservation and education. With fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, every new birth is a significant step toward preserving the species. Bakso’s arrival was met with excitement and hope, as it highlights the ongoing efforts of Disney’s animal care team to protect these incredible creatures.
After months of monitoring, Bakso was finally ready to explore his habitat, and on January 29, 2025, guests were surprised with his first official appearance. Videos of the cub quickly went viral, sparking an immediate surge of interest.
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Suddenly, the Maharajah Jungle Trek became one of the most sought-after attractions at Walt Disney World.
The Wait to See Bakso
Bakso’s presence has drawn record-breaking crowds to the Maharajah Jungle Trek, with guests lining up long before the exhibit opens. Because the young cub is still adjusting to his new surroundings, Animal Kingdom has implemented careful crowd control measures, allowing only a limited number of visitors into the viewing area at a time.
With wait times exceeding an hour, seeing Bakso has become a must-do experience for Disney fans. Guests are eager to watch him play, explore, and interact with his mother, creating unforgettable memories of this rare encounter.
Bakso’s Future at Animal Kingdom
As Bakso continues to grow, he will remain under the expert care of Animal Kingdom’s dedicated team. Young Sumatran tigers typically stay with their mothers for up to three years before becoming independent. Once he reaches maturity, Bakso will likely participate in a breeding program with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help sustain his species.
His parents, Sohni and Conrad, have played a crucial role in these efforts, and there’s even a possibility of future tiger cubs being born at Animal Kingdom.
Disney’s commitment to conservation ensures that Bakso’s journey is just one chapter in a much larger mission to protect endangered species.
For those who love Disney and wildlife alike, seeing Bakso in person is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Maharajah Jungle Trek has never been more exciting, and with Bakso’s playful energy on display, it’s easy to see why guests are willing to wait hours for this magical encounter.
Have you had the chance to meet Bakso yet? Will you be making a special trip to Animal Kingdom to see him? Let us know in the comments!
