In a significant stride for conservation efforts, Disney's Animal Kingdom has welcomed a new addition to its family—a newborn Sumatran tiger cub named Bakso. FOX 35 Orlando reported that this is the first Sumatran tiger cub to be born at the park in the last seven years. With such births, the survival of Sumatran tigers, critically endangered with fewer than 400 left in the wild, is getting a nod of hope.

Bakso, who’s small for now but stands for something much bigger, represents important genetic diversity for the species. According to ClickOrlando, Dr. Natalie, an Animal Kingdom veterinarian, underlined that they had to plan and meticulously orchestrate the birth strategically. She emphasized, "Tigers are in steep decline in the wild, so it is very special to welcome a new baby here at Disney, the first in seven years."

The park's animal care team has carefully monitored the tiger cub since birth, ensuring he receives all the necessary care for healthy development. Cubs like Bakso usually remain alongside their mother for 18 to 24 months, which provides adequate time for bonding and receiving care. Guests eager to glimpse the young cub and his mother, Sohni, can expect to see them in early 2025 when they debut publicly on the Maharajah Jungle Trek.