These Tiny Tiger Cubs Could Help Save Their Species—And You Can Name One
The Dallas Zoo welcomed two endangered tiger cubs, and now the public gets to vote on one cub’s name.
Two tiny Sumatran tiger cubs—each weighing just 2.5 pounds—are the newest residents at the Dallas Zoo, and the public gets to help decide what one of them will be called.
The cubs, one male and one female, were born on Feb. 22 to mother Sukacita, known as Suki, according to the zoo. They are currently growing behind the scenes under their mother’s watchful care, far from the eyes of zoo visitors—for now.
“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.
A big deal for a critically endangered species
These aren’t just any newborns. Sumatran tigers are classified as critically endangered, with fewer than 600 individuals remaining in the wild, according to the Dallas Zoo. That makes every birth a significant event for the future of the species.
“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.
The arrival of two healthy cubs at once adds even more weight to the moment. The zoo is now channeling the excitement surrounding the births into direct action through a public naming contest tied to conservation fundraising.
You get to pick the name
The Dallas Zoo has launched a donation-based naming contest for the female cub, giving the public three meaningful options to choose from. Each name carries a connection to the tigers’ heritage:
- 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 wins, making this less of a popularity poll and more of a fundraiser with a personal touch.
“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.”
How to cast your vote
Voting is straightforward. According to the Dallas Zoo, participants can take part 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’s a limited window to weigh in.
All proceeds from the contest go toward the zoo’s animal care and conservation initiatives for endangered species—meaning every vote doubles as a direct contribution to protecting tigers in the wild.
Conversation
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