Baby Sumatran Tiger Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Sohni, an endangered Sumatran tiger, gave birth to Bakso, a baby boy, three weeks ago at Animal Kingdom. With only 600 Sumatran tigers left in the world, his birth was a big event.
“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. Tiger births are rare in managed care and take a lot of planning and coordinating by our animal care team and the Species Survival Plan.”
Dr. Natalie, Disney veterinarian
Sumatran tigers are an “umbrella species.” Simply put, these cats are vital to their ecosystem. Disney partners with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to support endangered species populations in managed care. “This birth is just one great example of Disney’s work with the AZA that has helped strengthen the critically endangered Sumatran tiger population and the genetics of the species worldwide,” said Dr. Scott Terrell, Director of Animal & Science Operations.
This birth didn’t happen by chance. It was well-planned and meticulously orchestrated: “Using advanced technology, endocrinologists – also known as hormone experts – were able to monitor the health of Sohni’s pregnancy up until the birth, like that of 10-month-old Corra, an African elephant on Kilimanjaro Safaris,” said Terrell.
Bakso will be with his mother until he is 18 to 24 months old. He’ll make his Maharajah Jungle Trek debut in a few months.
Read more: Animal Kingdom Sumatran Tiger is Pregnant
