Disney's Animal Kingdom has welcomed a rare Sumatran tiger cub, marking the first birth of its kind at the park in seven years.
The cub, named Bakso, was born under the care of the park's animal care team, adding hope for the future of a critically endangered species. With fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild and in managed care, the arrival of Bakso holds significance not only for conservation efforts but also for the species' survival.
Watch the video below to see Basko and Sohni
Bakso's mother, Sohni, was closely monitored throughout her pregnancy by a team of veterinarians and animal care experts led by Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko. Advanced technology, including frequent ultrasounds and blood tests, played a crucial role in tracking Sohni's and her cub's health. The level of care extended to Sohni's participation in her own care, thanks to her successful training by the animal care team.
Dr. Mylniczenko emphasized the importance of this birth, especially as wild tigers face ongoing threats to their survival. "Tigers are in steep decline in the wild, so it is very special to welcome a new baby here at Disney," she noted. The birth of Bakso reflects a broader effort to strengthen the population of Sumatran tigers through Disney's collaborations with organizations like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan (SSP). These programs aim to protect endangered species in both managed care and the wild.
Bakso will remain under his mother's care until he's around 18-24 months old, at which point guests will be able to see him and Sohni on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, likely starting in early 2025. This marks another milestone in Disney's ongoing efforts to support animal conservation, a mission that extends beyond the park.
Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has provided support to numerous organizations working to protect tigers and their habitats. Most recently, a grant was awarded to the Wildlife Conservation Society to aid in safeguarding tigers in the wild.
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