Spring Training in Florida brings plenty of baseball action, but for five members of the Detroit Tigers, it also meant a chance to meet a tiger of a different kind! During their time in the Sunshine State, players Colt Keith, Matt Vierling, Tyler Holton, Will Vest, and Zach McKinstry took a break from the diamond to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where they encountered the park’s newest star—Bakso the baby Sumatran tiger.
A Roaring Good Time at Animal Kingdom
The Tigers’ adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom began with some thrills before meeting Bakso. The team braved Expedition Everest, tackling the high-speed twists and turns of one of Walt Disney World’s most thrilling roller coasters. From there, they climbed aboard a safari vehicle for a trek through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve on Kilimanjaro Safaris, where they spotted elephants, giraffes, lions, and more.
After soaking in the sights of the Tree of Life, the players made their way to the Maharajah Jungle Trek, home to Bakso and his mother, Sohni. Seeing a tiger up close was a surreal moment for the team, especially for pitcher Will Vest, whose son immediately recognized the connection to his dad’s team. “Anytime he sees a tiger, he says ‘Daddy’s team!’ It was cool to see him make that connection.”
Bakso: An Ambassador for Conservation
At nearly six months old, Bakso has been capturing hearts with his playful energy. Both mother and cub can often be seen prowling their lush habitat, playing and exploring together. With fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, Disney’s Animal Kingdom plays a key role in tiger conservation efforts, working alongside the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to ensure the future of these endangered animals.
For pitcher Tyler Holton, the visit was particularly special. “I’ve seen tigers here before, but never a cub. Seeing Bakso up close as a Detroit Tiger was a unique experience.”
A Tradition of Spring Training and Disney Magic
The Detroit Tigers have a long-standing history in Lakeland, Florida, where they have held Spring Training at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium for 60 seasons. Their annual presence in Central Florida means they’re never too far from the magic of Walt Disney World, and this visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom highlights the one-of-a-kind experiences that bring sports and wildlife together.
As the 2025 MLB season approaches, the Detroit Tigers will soon be back in action, but for one day, they stepped off the field and into the wild—making memories with Bakso the tiger cub, one of the most exciting new residents at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
