There is a reason Disney’s Animal Kingdom is more than just a theme park — and two-year-old Sumatran tiger Bakso is a perfect reminder of that.
On September 28, 2026, Bakso celebrated his second birthday right at home on the Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the care team made sure it was a day to remember. The little guy well, not so little anymore, was treated to some of his absolute favorite things: ice treats and goat’s milk. Simple, but when you are a two-year-old tiger, that is basically the perfect birthday party.
Meet Bakso
Bakso was born in September 2024 to parents Sohni and Conrad, and his name comes from an Indonesian word meaning “meatball.” If you have ever seen him, you understand the name completely. He is, objectively, adorable.
At two years old, Bakso is making the transition from cub to young adult which is a big developmental milestone and one his dedicated care team has been working toward since day one. Disney’s team of veterinarians, nutritionists, and animal keepers have given Bakso a healthy start, personalizing his habitat and meals to support his growth every step of the way.
Animal keeper Sarah summed up what it means to care for a tiger like Bakso: “I’ve always wanted to work with tigers, and it’s a dream to be able to work with a baby tiger like Bakso.” That kind of dedication is what makes Disney’s animal care program so special.
Behavioral Husbandry Manager Michelle also shared something that might surprise you: “People don’t realize how different every tiger’s personality truly is.” Every individual animal in Disney’s care has its own quirks, preferences, and character — and Bakso is no exception.
An Important Next Chapter
As exciting as this birthday is, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Bakso. This fall, he will be relocating to another AZA-accredited zoo as part of the Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding program designed to support the long-term survival of endangered species.
This is bittersweet news, but it is also incredibly important. Sumatran tigers are critically endangered, with fewer than 600 remaining in the wild. Bakso’s move gives him the opportunity to one day contribute to a breeding program that could help ensure Sumatran tigers have a future. That is the kind of conservation work that happens behind the scenes every day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it is work worth celebrating.
Happy second birthday, Bakso. We will miss seeing you on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, but we know great things are ahead for you.
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