Fort Worth Zoo
FORT WORTH, Texas - For the first time ever, the Fort Worth Zoo has welcomed two baby Samatran tigers.
Fort Worth Zoo Tiger Cubs
What we know:
The cub sisters were born in July to first-time mom, Ndari, and dad, Rakan.
They’re now 12 weeks old and weigh about 20 pounds. That’s about the same as a large pumpkin.
The smaller of the two cubs is named Barani, which means "brave." Her sister’s name is Malu, which means "reserved."
Big picture view:
Sumatran tigers are critically endangered, with fewer than 650 left in the wild.
Fort Worth Zoo’s Samatran tigers live in the newly renovated Predators of Asia and Africa habitat, which opened in 2023.
The cubs' birth marks the first time Samatran tiger cubs have ever been born at the Fort Worth Zoo.
Dallas Zoo’s new baby elephant makes public debut
The Dallas Zoo has introduced Matope, a newborn African elephant, now making daily public appearances in the Giants of the Savanna exhibit with his mom, brother, and aunts.
What they're saying:
"It's always exciting to welcome new babies and watch them grow here at the Zoo," said Ramona Bass, chairman of the Fort Worth Zoo. "But we're hopeful that these cubs will inspire a new generation to learn about and care for their wild counterparts and the future of this critically endangered species."
What's next:
The zoo said the cubs will make their public debut in the coming weeks.
The Source: The information in this story comes from a news release and photos provided by the Fort Worth Zoo.