Animal Kingdom’s Newest Attraction Has Guests Waiting for Hours—Here’s Why

For nearly three decades, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has brought guests closer to wildlife while educating them on the importance of conservation. Since its grand opening in 1998, the park has showcased some of the world’s most exotic animals, but its latest addition has fans lining up for hours just to catch a glimpse.

On September 26, 2024, Animal Kingdom welcomed a rare and critically endangered Sumatran tiger cub named Bakso. His birth was a milestone for conservation efforts and an exciting event for Disney fans who have eagerly anticipated seeing him in person.

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Now, after months of bonding with his mother, Sohni, Bakso has officially made his debut on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, and guests are rushing to witness this rare sight.

A Historic Birth for Conservation

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has always gone beyond being just a theme park—it is a sanctuary for animals and a leader in wildlife conservation. The birth of Bakso was an enormous achievement, as there are fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild. Bakso’s arrival marked the first time in years that Animal Kingdom has had a new tiger cub, making his introduction to the Maharajah Jungle Trek an unmissable event.

After months of careful monitoring, Bakso was deemed healthy and strong enough to explore his new habitat. On January 29, 2025, Disney surprised guests by allowing Bakso to venture out into the viewing area for the first time.

Videos and photos of the adorable cub instantly went viral, and the rush to see him in person began.

Why Guests Are Waiting Hours

Bakso’s debut has transformed the Maharajah Jungle Trek into one of the most in-demand attractions at Animal Kingdom. Since the cub is still young and adjusting to his new environment, Disney is taking a cautious approach by limiting how many guests can visit at one time.

Guests have been lining up well before the exhibit opens, hoping for a chance to see Bakso play, climb, and interact with his mother. Because only a limited number of visitors can enter the viewing area at once, wait times have stretched to over an hour—an uncommon sight for a walkthrough exhibit.

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A Bright Future for Bakso

As Bakso grows, he will remain under the careful supervision of Animal Kingdom’s animal care team. Sumatran tigers typically stay with their mothers for one and a half to three years before becoming independent. When he reaches adulthood, Bakso will likely participate in a breeding program in collaboration with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help preserve his species.

Animal Kingdom’s involvement in tiger conservation doesn’t end with Bakso. His parents, Sohni and Conrad, are part of a breeding initiative that could bring more tiger cubs to the park in the future. Disney’s commitment to conservation ensures that Bakso’s story is just the beginning of a larger mission to protect Sumatran tigers.

Seeing Bakso in person is a rare opportunity for guests to witness an endangered species thriving under expert care. Whether you’re a devoted Disney fan or an animal lover, a visit to Animal Kingdom’s Maharajah Jungle Trek is more exciting than ever.

Have you had the chance to see Bakso yet? Will you be making a special trip to see him? Let us know in the comments!