Photos: Bakso the tiger cub plays with mom onstage for all to see

Four-month-old Sumatran tiger cub, Bakso, made his public debut on the Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Jan. 29. We caught up with Bakso and his mother, Sohni, the following day, Jan. 30. The pair are currently staying near the den entrance, with Bakso gradually exploring his new surroundings.

Sohni encourages Bakso to venture out by playfully engaging with him. The normally flooded area of the habitat, which usually has about 13 inches of water, has been temporarily drained and filled with hay for Bakso’s safety as he acclimates to the space. While he has had swimming lessons indoors, this precaution ensures he can safely explore the habitat.

Bakso’s presence in the habitat may vary as his keepers allow him to choose when he joins his mother. Mornings are likely the best time to try and spot him.

Bakso represents hope for this endangered species and highlights the vital work being done in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to protect and bolster endangered and threatened species populations.

In 2017, Sohni gave birth to, Anala and Jeda. The sister and brother have since moved to other facilities to contribute to the species’ propagation.

With fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild, Bakso’s birth exemplifies Disney’s collaboration with the AZA to strengthen the critically endangered Sumatran tiger population and its genetic diversity worldwide.