Bakso the Sumatran Tiger Leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Where He’s Going & Why

It’s almost time to say goodbye to one of the most beloved residents of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Bakso, the young Sumatran tiger who has called Maharajah Jungle Trek home since his birth in September 2024, will leave Walt Disney World later this fall.

The news comes as Bakso celebrates his second birthday and prepares for the next chapter of his life at another Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoo.

While it will certainly be bittersweet for Animal Kingdom fans who have watched him grow, Bakso’s move has an important purpose. With fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild, Bakso could eventually father cubs of his own and contribute to efforts supporting the future of this critically endangered species.

Bakso Has Grown Up at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Born to mom Sohni and dad Conrad in September 2024, Bakso quickly became a fan favorite at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Over the past two years, guests have had the opportunity to watch him grow from a tiny tiger cub into a confident young adult. Personally, I’ve loved having the chance to see him. He’s been so playful and fun to watch.

From splashing around in his pool and pouncing on enrichment items to simply lounging in the sun or finding a shady place to relax, Bakso has given guests plenty of memorable moments along the way.

Now, at two years old, he’s ready for his next big adventure.

Why Is Bakso Leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

Bakso’s upcoming move is part of a recommendation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

The program helps AZA-accredited zoos work together to care for endangered animals while supporting the long-term future of species in managed care.

For Bakso, that means moving from Disney’s Animal Kingdom to another AZA-accredited zoo later this fall.

The move could also eventually give Bakso the opportunity to father cubs of his own. This is an especially significant possibility given the status of Sumatran tigers in the wild.

Sumatran Tigers Are Critically Endangered

Bakso’s move is about much more than simply finding him a new home.

There are fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild. This makes every individual important to the future of the species.

By participating in the Species Survival Plan, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and other accredited zoos can coordinate the care and management of Sumatran tigers like Bakso.

If Bakso eventually becomes a father, his cubs could represent another generation of this critically endangered species in managed care.

Where Is Bakso Going?

Disney has confirmed that Bakso will move to another AZA-accredited zoo, but his specific destination has not yet been announced.

You Can Still Visit Bakso at Animal Kingdom

If Bakso has become one of your must-see animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you haven’t missed your chance to say goodbye.

Guests can still visit Bakso along the Maharajah Jungle Trek before he heads to his new home later this fall.

An exact date for his departure has not been announced. This means anyone hoping to see him one more time may want to make a stop at the trail during an upcoming Animal Kingdom visit.

Here’s Basko when he celebrated his first birthday!

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But now, I want to know your thoughts. Will you be sad to see Bakso go? What fun memories do you have of watching him? You can share with me in the comments or on social! Find me on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, Threads,  BlueSky, and TikTok.

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