Find out what it’s like to witness a new member of a critically endangered species join the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park firsthand.

On September 26, 2024, Disney World welcomed a brand-new resident: Bakso, a Sumatran tiger cub. The first tiger cub born at Animal Kingdom in seven years, the event marked an extra-special milestone for both the theme park and efforts to conserve the critically endangered species.

Now that Bakso has successfully achieved all of the milestones needed to join his mom, Sohni, and dad, Conrad, onstage at Maharajah Jungle Trek, he’s ready to step into the spotlight. And I was lucky enough to experience a special Disney World first: Seeing Bakso the tiger cub make his debut. And make sure to subscribe to WDW Magazine to read our full article on Bakso, coming up in our April 2025 issue.

A Huge Feat for a Tiny Tiger Cub

Bakso explores while mom Sohni watches. Photo by Maria Salerno

Although Bakso will one day measure up to – or even outweigh! – his parents, he’s currently just four months old and quite small. Compared to the adult Sumatran tigers guests can see at Maharajah Jungle Trek, Bakso is downright tiny.

When I arrived at Maharajah Jungle Trek to witness Bakso’s big moment, mom Sohni was the first to make an appearance. She stepped onstage for about 40 minutes while I, along with other guests, waited eagerly to get a first glimpse of her baby. The crowd waiting in complete silence, almost as if we were collectively holding our breath.

Finally, Bakso stepped out onstage… 

And then he turned around and went right back into his room! The tiny cub repeated this six or seven times, venturing out onto the grounds of the Maharajah Jungle Trek by about one foot in total.

Despite his hesitancy, it was still incredible to see Bakso and his mom together. At first, I could see only his snout – then, as he poked his head out more, I could see his upper body. Finally, his entire body came onstage. As he poked his head out and considered exploring further, Sohni stayed with him, even heading back offstage with her son at times.

Eventually, though, Bakso grew braver. He started to venture farther, and at one point, he even walked over to the big stairs inside the tiger enclosure and began to walk down them. The entire time Sohni stuck with him, offering a watchful eye and a sense of safety.

I noticed Sohni stayed very close to her baby during his debut. She watched him carefully, venturing ahead of him to make sure it was safe and returning to their backstage space to comfort and encourage the cub.

An Enriching Environment for Sumatran Tigers of All Ages

Bakso and Sohni explore their grassy grounds. Photo by Maria Salerno

As I witnessed Bakso take his first steps into the Maharajah Jungle Trek at Animal Kingdom, I also learned about the tigers’ habitat and how caretakers create an environment that’s both enjoyable and enriching.

Caretakers explained that they added items, like hay bales and giant KONG toys filled with different spices and perfumes, to mimic things Sumatran tigers are normally attracted to. Since Bakso isn’t yet eating food like his mom and dad, the Animal Kingdom team couldn’t attract him to all that’s within the habitat using any kind of food.

So, they worked to interest him in items that tigers love to play with instead. But as I saw firsthand, Bakso was primarily interested not in the toys, but exploring the space itself. Of course, as he gets comfortable in his new residence, those enriching toys will likely hold more of his interest!

How to See Bakso the Tiger Cub

Now that Bakso has made his debut at the Maharajah Jungle Trek, guests can come and see him explore, play, and cuddle up to his mom during any visit to Animal Kingdom. However, caretakers shared an important tip with me: Although Bakso is out on stage, you’ll want to visit in the morning if you’re hoping to catch him.

Sumatran tigers tend to be active in the morning, so that’s why your odds are better if you stop by Maharajah Jungle Trek first thing. 

Additionally, if you’re hoping to see both Bakso and his mom Sohni together, you’ll want to visit within the next year to year and a half. The duo will be onstage together for at least one full year before their placement may change.

Bakso Meets the Characters from Up

About a month after his initial debut, Bakso met a few new friends – Dug, Russell, and Carl from the movie Up! The trio watched Bakso and his mother, Sohni, who have become a popular sight over the past several weeks.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

The three characters were promoting the park’s Wilderness Explorers program, where guests can earn more than 20 badges as they learn more about threatened and endangered species (such as the Sumatran tiger). One of those badges is on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, where guests can learna bout the unique striped pattern of Sumatran tigers, and the challenges the species face in the wild.