As the baseball season nears, spring training games are underway across Florida and Arizona. Recently, a few Detroit Tigers players took a break from their busy schedules to step up to the plate and visit Walt Disney World Resort. Pitchers Tyler Holton and Will Vest, infielders Zach McKinstry and Colt Keith and outfielder Matt Vierling visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where they enjoyed some of the park’s exciting attractions, including Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris.
While on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, the team spotted a variety of animals, such as hippos, lions, zebras, elephants, and giraffes. The highlight of their visit was meeting Disney’s newest resident, Bakso – a critically endangered Sumatran tiger. This was a meaningful moment for the Detroit Tigers, as it marked their official “meeting” with the tigers, emphasizing the park’s dedication to fostering connections between guests and wildlife. At nearly six months old, Bakso continues to grow alongside to be in the big leagues alongside his mother, Sohni, on Maharajah Jungle Trek. The tiger duo has captured the hearts of thousands of visitors. Bakso and Sohni are often seen pouncing and prowling as they roam their lush habitat. During the Tigers’ visit, this was no exception. With fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild, Bakso serves as an ambassador for his species, raising global awareness about the challenges they face.
Disney has a long-standing partnership with organizations like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which help pitch in and help endangered species populations. Bakso is a great example of Disney’s collaboration with the AZA to strengthen the critically endangered Sumatran tiger population and its genetics.
The Detroit Tigers step up to the plate for the 2025 season on March 27, playing against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with their home opener on April 4 against the Chicago White Sox.
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As co-owner and co-creator of The Main Street Mouse.Working in a technical support position for 18 years, it was time for a change.As the Webmaster and Project Planner, I spend most of my time researching everything from the latest Disney News, technology advances and of course keeping up on all the Marvel news that comes out.I never considered myself a writer but I’ve come to like blogging and sharing news with all.I feel blessed everyday that I get to spend my days working with my best friend and love of my life while we continue to grow and expand what started as a hobby all those years ago.
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