Sumatran tiger Bakso will leave Disney's Animal Kingdom later this autumn. Until then he remains visible on the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

Why he is going

The reason is biological rather than operational. Young tigers become independent as they mature and claim territory of their own. Bakso's move follows that natural transition into adulthood.
He is relocating to another zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The receiving facility has not been named.

His story

Bakso was born in September 2024 to Sohni and Conrad, turning two this month.
He was the first Sumatran tiger born at Walt Disney World Resort in seven years and made his public debut in January 2025.


The context: fewer than 600 left in the wild

The move follows a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan. That programme coordinates the care of endangered species across accredited facilities and decides, among other things, which animals are paired.
Disney names the figure at stake: fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild. Bakso, the company says, could one day father cubs of his own and contribute to the future of a critically endangered species.

No departure date has been given. Anyone hoping to see Bakso should plan the Maharajah Jungle Trek into the coming weeks – and accept that animals do not keep to opening hours. Mornings are historically the most reliable time.