The public has spoken. Dallas Zoo’s female Sumatran tiger cub officially has a name, and it’s Rina.

The zoo announced the winning name after a donation-based voting contest that gave supporters three options to choose from. Rina—named in honor of Rina PA, a ranger with the Sumatran Ranger Project who protects endangered wildlife in Sumatra—beat out the other two contenders.

But the name wasn’t the only news. On the same day the result was revealed, Rina and her brother Serasi stepped onto their habitat for the very first time, giving the zoo a double milestone to share in one announcement.

The winning name—and the ones that lost

The three options Dallas Zoo put to a public vote each had ties to Sumatra and the conservation work happening there:

• Rina—in honor of Rina PA, a ranger with the Sumatran Ranger Project

• Alya—meaning “sky” or “heaven” in Arabic

• Merapi—the name of the most active volcano in Sumatra

Rina took the vote. The contest used donation-based voting, meaning supporters cast their votes through donations. Proceeds from the contest go toward conservation efforts for the critically endangered species—so picking a favorite name also meant directly supporting the work to protect Sumatran tigers.

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Her brother’s name honors a fallen ranger

The male cub was not part of the public vote. Dallas Zoo’s animal care team chose his name—Serasi—in tribute to a ranger from the same organization who dedicated his life to protecting wildlife in Sumatra before his passing. The zoo said the ranger’s courage and commitment now live on in the cub.

Both names were chosen to honor rangers who protect Sumatran tigers in the wild. One was selected by the public. The other was selected by the zoo’s animal care team.

The two cubs were born on Feb. 22, 2026, to mother Sukacita, known as “Suki.” Each weighed approximately 2.5 pounds at birth.

Why these cubs matter

Sumatran tigers are critically endangered. Fewer than 600 remain in the wild, according to 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.

The donation-based naming contest was designed to raise funds for conservation while giving the public a direct way to participate in the cubs’ story. The proceeds from the vote support efforts to protect the species.

Then they stepped outside for the first time

The name reveal came with a bonus. Rina and Serasi also made their first-ever habitat debut on the same day.

The zoo shared the full announcement on Instagram:

“Thanks to your incredible support, the votes are in and our female cub’s name is Rina. Her name honors Rina PA, a ranger with the @sumatranrangerproject. Her brother, Serasi, was named by our animal care team in tribute to a ranger from the same organization who dedicated his life to protecting wildlife in Sumatra before his passing. His courage and commitment now live on in this little cub,” the zoo wrote. “And there’s more exciting news… today, for the very first time, Rina and Serasi stepped onto their habitat!”

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Bold sister, cautious brother

The personality gap between the two cubs was clear from the moment they stepped outside.

Rina wasted no time. The zoo said she ventured right into the habitat, exploring independently and moving away from Suki to take in the space. She was described as “already showing off her confidence” from the start.

Serasi took a completely different approach. He stayed close to his mother, easing into the new environment at his own pace. The zoo noted he was “taking things a bit slower”—building comfort gradually while his sister charged ahead.

Two very different temperaments, visible from the very first habitat appearance.

When visitors might spot them

If you’re hoping to see Rina and Serasi at Dallas Zoo, don’t plan around a set schedule. The zoo said there is no fixed timetable for when the cubs will be on their habitat.

Rina and Serasi will rotate time with the zoo’s adult tigers, and Suki will lead the way. The cubs will explore when they feel comfortable and the weather allows.

Visitors may catch playful glimpses of the pair as they continue to grow, but the zoo noted that sightings are not guaranteed on any particular day. The naming contest results were also reported by NBC DFW.

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