One of These Rare Tiger Cubs Still Doesn’t Have a Name — And You Can Change That
The Dallas Zoo has some tiny, striped new residents — and it wants the public to help welcome one of them by name.
The zoo announced the birth of two Sumatran tiger cubs, one male and one female, born on Feb. 22 to mother Sukacita, known as Suki. Each cub weighed approximately 2.5 pounds at birth and is currently growing under their mother’s care, according to the zoo.
To celebrate the arrival, the Dallas Zoo has launched a public naming contest for the female cub, giving animal lovers across the country a chance to participate in a conservation-driven fundraiser.
A Rare and Significant Birth
The arrival of these cubs carries weight well beyond the walls of the zoo. Sumatran tigers are classified as critically endangered, with fewer than 600 individuals remaining in the wild, according to the Dallas Zoo.
“The birth of these cubs represents an important contribution to the long-term survival of the species and global conservation efforts,” the zoo said in a statement.
Every Sumatran tiger born in a managed care setting plays a role in efforts to ensure the species does not disappear entirely. That makes the birth of not just one but two healthy cubs a moment worth noting for the broader conservation community.
Cubs Bonding Behind the Scenes
If you are already planning a trip to see the new arrivals, you will need to be patient. The cubs are not yet on public display.
“For now, the cubs are staying behind the scenes, giving them time to bond with mom and build the strength they’ll need before exploring their habitat,” the zoo said in an Instagram post.
The zoo has not yet announced a timeline for when the cubs might make their public debut, but updates are expected as they continue to grow and develop alongside Suki.
How the Naming Contest Works
While the male cub’s name has not been publicly addressed, the Dallas Zoo is inviting the community to choose a name for the female cub through a donation-based voting process.
“Our team is thrilled to share this special moment with our community,” said Stephanie Allard, chief mission officer at the Dallas Zoo, per MSN. “This naming contest is a fun and impactful way for guests to connect with these incredible animals while directly supporting conservation efforts that protect tigers in the wild.”
The three name options each carry special meaning:
- Alya (pronounced ah-lee-ya), meaning “sky” or “heaven” in Arabic
- Merapi, the name of the most active volcano in Sumatra
- Rina, in honor of Rina PA, a ranger in the Sumatran Ranger Project
The name that receives the most donations will be selected as the cub’s official name.
How to Cast Your Vote
According to the Dallas Zoo, participants can vote by:
- Visiting DallasZoo.com
- Selecting the naming contest on the homepage
- Making a donation
- Choosing a preferred name
- Submitting their vote
Voting is open through April 20, so there is still time to make your pick.
Where the Money Goes
All proceeds from the naming contest will go toward the zoo’s animal care and conservation initiatives for endangered species. That means every vote doubles as a direct contribution to protecting animals like the Sumatran tiger both in managed care and in the wild.
Whether you choose a name inspired by the sky, a volcano or a real-life ranger working to protect tigers in Sumatra, your donation helps ensure these critically endangered animals have a future.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
