Bakso, the young Sumatran tiger who became a popular sight at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, will leave the park later this fall to be transferred to another zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, though the exact location and departure date have not been announced.
Bakso was born on September 26, 2024, and his name comes from the Indonesian word for “meatball.” He made his grand debut at the park on the Maharajah Jungle Trek in late January 2025, quickly becoming a guest favorite and drawing long waits from guests hoping to see the baby tiger.
The photos below were captured in February 2025, just weeks after Bakso made his public debut.
Now that Bakso has reached two years old, he is entering the age when young tigers typically become independent from their mothers. His upcoming move comes at a natural point in his development and will also allow him to take part in the Species Survival Plan.
The program coordinates breeding and population management among participating zoos, with the goal of maintaining a healthy population of Sumatran tigers in human care and supporting future breeding efforts for the critically endangered species.
