Talking About Tigers At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

On of the most unique features of Disney's Animal Kingdom is the fact that the animals on display are real. This exceptional theme park not only provides thrill seeking fun, but has a deeper purpose through the Disney Conservation Fund to preserve Walt Disney's legacy of love for the natural world and its resources. Disney's Animal Kingdom takes guest on a worldwide journey, placing them in stunning regional terrains right along side incredible wildlife where they are encouraged to share commitment to wildlife, people and the planet we all rely on.


Talking About Tigers At Disney's Animal Kingdom


At the Maharajah Jungle Trek, Disney's Animal Kingdom guests experience a lush trek through tropical rainforest before coming face to face with one of the rarest tiger species of all - the Sumatran tiger. Critically endangered, these Tigers currently survive only in scattered populations on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. The Maharajah Jungle Trek habitat "include hills, pools, shade trees, rocks and fallen logs that providing natural opportunities for the animals to communicate, rest, hide and explore - just as they do in the wild."


Sumatran Tigers Love To Play In Water


Check Out These Exciting Tiger Facts!

• There are less than 500 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, and the Disney Conservation Fund diligently works with partner organizations to reverse the decline.
• The Disney Conservation Fund initiative aims to increase the wild population of Sumatran tigers by 25 percent over the next 10 years.
• One of the biggest threats to the Sumatran Tiger is deforestation and the loss of habitat. In Sumatra, tiger habitats are disappearing at a rate of 3% to over 5% per year.
• The Disney Conservation Fund has provided nearly $2.5 million to protect tigers and their habitats.
• Sohni and Malosi are the 2 beautiful Sumatran tigers that currently make their home in Disney's Animal Kingdom, Maharajah Jungle Trek.
• Disney happily announced this week that Sohni is pregnant! Sumatrian Tigers have a gestation period of just 3.5 months. Tiger fans can expect the arrival of these Sumatran tiger cubs to be born sometime in August.
• Sumatrian Tigers usually have litters of 3-4 cubs, which stay with their mothers until the age of 2 or 3 years old.

The Maharajah Jungle Trek Is A Tiger Playground


Sohni and her mate Malosi were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Sumatran Tiger SSP, and it's 30 participating institutions try to ensure responsible breeding with a goal to retain >90% gene diversity over 100 years. However unless even more responsible breeders step up and participate preserving the genetics of critically endangered species, such as Sumatran tigers, may not be possible.


Sohni and Malosi Are Expecting Cubs


As a special conservation project to celebrate the opening of Pandora: The World of Avatar Guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom also can take part in 'Connect to Protect'. 'Connect to Protect' is "a new mobile adventure that invites guests to participate in conservation 'missions' with a digital scientist while exploring Pandora and helping protect the habits of at-risk animals here on Earth, including Sumatran tigers." After completing one or more missions in the new adventure, it will unlock a $10 contribution from Disney Parks!