Bakso the Sumatran Tiger Turns One at Disney’s Animal Kingdom With Special Party

by

Bakso, a Sumatran tiger who is quite special, celebrated his first birthday at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On September 26, 2025, the Disney cast members marked the occasion by giving Bakso fun enrichment items like frozen treats and goat’s milk.

They constructed a “cake” using frozen and meaty elements suitable to his diet.

Visitors spotted a birthday banner hanging in Bakso’s enclosure, and he playfully interacted with it, even tearing pieces off. He also enjoyed opening a green ball, which was one of his presents. His mother, Sohni, spent time with him throughout the festivities. Disney encouraged guests to join in the celebration by signing the birthday banner.

Early Life and Debut

Bakso was born on September 26, 2024, to mother Sohni and father Conrad at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The little tiger’s birth was a special event – the first cub born at the park in seven years! In January 2025, Bakso made his first appearance to the public on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, which is an Asia-themed walking trail. The park staff explained that he gets to decide when he wants to be with his mother in the public viewing area, so visitors might not always be able to see him.

His name originates from the Indonesian term for “meatball.” Interestingly, the name is a nod to the fact that the first solid food he ate as a young cub was a tiny meatball.

Growth, Care, and Conservation Context

By the time he turned one year old, Bakso had grown to weigh more than 140 pounds. His unique markings have become clearer and more noticeable. Throughout the year, those caring for him taught him to cooperate with things like showing his paws or tail, letting them check his mouth, and making vet visits safer. This training helps reduce the need for sedation and allows for more effective health checks.

Bakso participates in Disney’s work with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). Disney and the Disney Conservation Fund have invested $4.5 million in supporting tiger habitats and conservation projects. With fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers left in the wild and in zoos, every birth is important for helping to protect the species. This contributes to wider conservation efforts.

Looking Ahead

At just one year old, Bakso is still growing and developing. Sumatran tigers generally aren’t fully grown until they are between three and four years old. Reaching maturity takes time for these magnificent creatures.

Male tigers can grow to be around eight feet long and weigh as much as 310 pounds, but they are relatively small compared to other tiger types. If you want to see Bakso, you might have better luck earlier in the day, but sightings aren’t certain.

Bakso’s first birthday highlights how zoos can be important for helping endangered animals, conducting research, and teaching the public about conservation. It’s a good reminder of the valuable work these institutions do. Learn more about conservation efforts.

Read More

2025-10-05 19:00