Dallas Zoo has welcomed two rare Sumatran tiger cubs born earlier this year and is now inviting the public to help name the female through a donation-based contest that supports conservation.
The male and female cubs arrived in the early morning hours of Feb. 22 to 12-year-old mother Sukacita, known as Suki, and father Kuasa. Each weighed about 2.5 pounds at birth. Zoo officials say both cubs are thriving under Suki’s care and remain behind the scenes as they continue to bond and grow stronger before moving into their public habitat.
To mark the arrivals, the zoo launched a naming contest for the female cub with three options: Alya, which means “sky” or “heaven” in Arabic; Merapi, named after the most active volcano in Sumatra; and Rina, in honor of a ranger with the Sumatran Ranger Project.
Supporters vote by making a donation at give.dallaszoo.com/baby-tiger. The name with the most donations by April 20 will become the cub’s official name, and all proceeds go directly to animal care at the zoo and conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered species in the wild.
“Our team is thrilled to share this special moment with our community,” said Stephanie Allard, chief mission officer at the Dallas Zoo. “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.”
Sumatran tigers are the smallest and rarest tiger subspecies, with fewer than 600 estimated to remain in their native habitat on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Every birth in accredited zoos like Dallas contributes to the global survival plan for the species.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
The male and female cubs arrived in the early morning hours of Feb. 22 to 12-year-old mother Sukacita
The male and female cubs arrived in the early morning hours of Feb. 22 to 12-year-old mother Sukacita
