Detroit Tigers Meet Real Tigers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

As the baseball season approaches, spring training games are in full swing across Florida and Arizona. Recently, a few Detroit Tigers players took a break from their busy schedules to visit Walt Disney World Resort. Pitchers Tyler Holton and Will Vest, infielders Zach McKinstry and Colt Keith, and outfielder Matt Vierling spent some time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where they experienced thrilling attractions such as Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris.

While touring the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, the team encountered a variety of animals, including hippos, lions, zebras, elephants, and giraffes. The highlight of their visit was meeting Bakso, a critically endangered Sumatran tiger, who recently became one of Disney’s newest residents. This moment was especially meaningful for the Tigers, as it marked their symbolic “meeting” with the tigers, underscoring the park’s commitment to creating connections between guests and wildlife. Nearly six months old, Bakso continues to grow and share the spotlight with his mother, Sohni, on the Maharajah Jungle Trek. The pair has captured the hearts of visitors, often seen pouncing and prowling through their lush habitat. With fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, Bakso plays an important role as an ambassador for his species, helping raise awareness about their conservation challenges.

Disney’s ongoing partnership with organizations like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan (SSP) supports efforts to protect endangered species. Bakso’s presence is a testament to Disney’s collaboration with the AZA in strengthening the Sumatran tiger population and its genetic diversity.

The Detroit Tigers will take the field for the 2025 season on March 27, facing off against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with their home opener on April 4 against the Chicago White Sox.