JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is asking for the public's help with naming a "critically endangered" Malayan tiger cub that was born by third-time mother, Cinta, in November 2023, according to a news release.
The zoo says Cinta welcomed three cubs, one boy and two girls, on Nov. 5, 2023. The release states that two of the cubs have already been given names: Machli and Beppy. Machli is the boy cub's name, named after a world-renown tiger of the Ranthambore National Park in India, while one of the girl cubs was named Beppy after a "beloved family member," the release states.
A two-week voting window opened Wednesday to name the last cub whose leg was previously injured, as the release states that animal care specialists have chosen five pre-selected names "as an homage to the Malayan tiger species." The pre-selected names include 'Nayla,' meaning a winner or one who goes ahead to get everything; 'Mina,' meaning one who is unrelenting and determined; 'Seniya,' meaning one who is praiseworthy; 'Indah,' meaning beautiful one; and 'Cahya,' meaning one who is the light in darkness, according to the release. Click here to vote for a $5 donation. Voting will end Jan. 31.
The release states that the cubs are the first Malayan tigers to be born at the zoo. And although the zoo says the cubs will not be put on exhibit "until certain milestones are reached," a livestream of the cub den is available here at various times and days.
"Our newest Malayan tiger ambassadors are a significant addition to the sustainability of their critically endangered species," Chief Philanthropy and Community Engagement Officer at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Nikki Jackson Smith said in the release. "We are proud of our contribution in ensuring a viable and diverse population and want to share the honor with the community, and this cub naming is a great way for us to connect guests with wildlife and wild places."
It is estimated that there are fewer than 150 Malayan tigers left in the wild, according to the zoo. Click here to view photos and video of the unnamed Malayan tiger cub.