Bakso, a rare Sumatran tiger, turned one at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. To observe Bakso’s first birthday on September 26, 2025, cast members provided enrichment items including ice treats and goat’s milk.
They constructed a “cake” using frozen and meaty elements suitable to his diet.
Bakso the Baby Tiger examines his birthday decorations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World – YouTube, Laughing Place
Guests noticed a birthday banner placed in the habitat; Bakso engaged with it (including tearing parts). He also “unwrapped” a green ball, one of his birthday gifts. His mother, Sohni, was seen interacting with him during parts of the celebration. Disney invited guests to participate by signing a birthday banner.
Early Life and Debut
Bakso was born on September 26, 2024, to mother Sohni and father Conrad at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Baby Tiger Bakso in Disney’s Animal Kingdom – YouTube, MouseSteps / JWL Media
His birth was the first tiger cub born at the park in seven years. In January 2025, Bakso made his public debut on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, an Asia‑themed walking attraction. Keepers have said he is allowed to choose when he joins his mother in the exhibit, so he may not always be visible to guests.
Bakso the baby tiger at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World with his mother – YouTube, MouseSteps / JWL Media
His name comes from the Indonesian word for “meatball.” In fact, the name refers to how his first solid food as a cub was a small meatball.
Growth, Care, and Conservation Context
By his first birthday, Bakso was reported to weigh over 140 pounds. His distinctive markings have become more pronounced. Over the year, his caretakers worked to train him in voluntary husbandry behaviors such as presenting paws or tails, allowing oral inspection, and facilitating safe veterinary procedures. These efforts minimize sedation and allow for better health monitoring.
Animal Kingdom cast members celebrate Bakso the baby tiger’s birthday in Walt Disney World – YouTube, Laughing Place
Bakso is part of Disney’s collaboration with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). Disney and the Disney Conservation Fund have supported external tiger habitat and conservation initiatives as part of its $4.5 million investments. Because fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers remain in wild and managed populations, each birth contributes to broader conservation efforts.
Looking Ahead
At one year old, Bakso is still maturing. Sumatran tigers typically reach full maturity around three to four years of age.
Bakso the baby tiger at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World enjoying his first birthday party – YouTube, Laughing Place
Adult males can reach lengths around eight feet and weigh up to about 310 pounds, though they are one of the smaller tiger subspecies. Visitors seeking to see Bakso may find better viewing early in the day, though presence cannot be guaranteed.
Bakso’s first birthday serves as a reminder of the role that zoological institutions may play in endangered species care, research, and public education.
Happy birthday to Bakso the tiger! Let us know your thoughts about him and the rest of Animal Kingdom’s conservation projects in the comments below!
