CUTENESS ALERT! There’s a New Baby Animal at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

If you’ve ever been to Animal Kingdom in Disney World, you’ve probably seen dozens of different species around the park.

From giraffes to elephants to exotic birds, there are so many critters to visit! A dedicated team of Disney Cast Members helps take care of these creatures, and every once in a while, they get a fun surprise…little baby animals!

Next time you visit Animal Kingdom, make sure to check out the brand-new baby tiger! Baby boy Bakso is nearly three weeks old and is a Sumatran Tiger, just like mom Sohni.

FIRST LOOK ? Meet two-week old, Bakso, the newest Sumatran tiger cub at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ? https://t.co/EKPIJF9m0Q pic.twitter.com/T2ZnUABwxu

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) October 16, 2024

There are fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers left in the wild and in managed care, so baby Bakso is a big contribution to the endangered species. “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,” said Dr. Natalie, one of the veterinarians who cared for Sohni during her pregnancy.

This birth was “significant, well-planned, and meticulously orchestrated,” according to Disney. Using advanced technology, endocrinologists were able to monitor Sohni’s health throughout her three-month pregnancy. She received frequent blood tests and weekly ultrasounds. Sohni’s keepers even trained her successfully to participate in her own care.

Bakso will need his mother’s care until he’s around 18-24 months of age. This means you’ll be able to see mom and baby together when they join the Maharajah Jungle Trek in a few months! Start planning those trips now.