\n<\/p>\n
The public has spoken. Dallas Zoo\u2019s female Sumatran tiger cub officially has a name, and it\u2019s Rina.<\/span><\/p>\n The zoo announced the winning name after a donation-based voting contest that gave supporters three options to choose from. Rina\u2014named in honor of Rina PA, a ranger with the Sumatran Ranger Project who protects endangered wildlife in Sumatra\u2014beat out the other two contenders.<\/span><\/p>\n But the name wasn\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n The three options Dallas Zoo put to a public vote each had ties to Sumatra and the conservation work happening there:<\/span><\/p>\n Rina\u2014in honor of Rina PA, a ranger with the Sumatran Ranger Project<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Alya\u2014meaning \u201csky\u201d or \u201cheaven\u201d in Arabic<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Merapi\u2014the name of the most active volcano in Sumatra<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n 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\u2014so picking a favorite name also meant directly supporting the work to protect Sumatran tigers.<\/span><\/p>\n Remember Little Joe? The Gorilla Who Escaped a Boston Zoo Is Leaving<\/p>\n The male cub was not part of the public vote. Dallas Zoo\u2019s animal care team chose his name\u2014Serasi\u2014in 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\u2019s courage and commitment now live on in the cub.<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019s animal care team.<\/span><\/p>\n The two cubs were born on Feb. 22, 2026, to mother Sukacita, known as \u201cSuki.\u201d Each weighed approximately 2.5 pounds at birth.<\/span><\/p>\n Sumatran tigers are critically endangered. Fewer than 600 remain in the wild, according to Dallas Zoo.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe birth of these cubs represents an important contribution to the long-term survival of the species and global conservation efforts,\u201d the zoo said.<\/span><\/p>\n The donation-based naming contest was designed to raise funds for conservation while giving the public a direct way to participate in the cubs\u2019 story. The proceeds from the vote support efforts to protect the species.<\/span><\/p>\n The name reveal came with a bonus. Rina and Serasi also made their first-ever habitat debut on the same day.<\/span><\/p>\n The zoo shared the full announcement on <\/span>Instagram<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThanks to your incredible support, the votes are in and our female cub\u2019s 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,\u201d the zoo wrote. \u201cAnd there\u2019s more exciting news\u2026 today, for the very first time, Rina and Serasi stepped onto their habitat!”<\/span><\/p>\n Detroit Zoo Welcomes 3 Adorable Otter Pups Ahead of Summer Debut<\/p>\n The personality gap between the two cubs was clear from the moment they stepped outside.<\/span><\/p>\n 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 \u201calready showing off her confidence\u201d from the start.<\/span><\/p>\n 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 \u201ctaking things a bit slower\u201d\u2014building comfort gradually while his sister charged ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n Two very different temperaments, visible from the very first habitat appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re hoping to see Rina and Serasi at Dallas Zoo, don\u2019t plan around a set schedule. The zoo said there is no fixed timetable for when the cubs will be on their habitat.<\/span><\/p>\n Rina and Serasi will rotate time with the zoo\u2019s adult tigers, and Suki will lead the way. The cubs will explore when they feel comfortable and the weather allows.<\/span><\/p>\n 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 <\/span>naming contest results were also reported by NBC DFW<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n World\u2019s Oldest Gorilla Celebrates 69th Birthday After More Than 65 Years at One Zoo<\/strong><\/p>\n These Tiny Tiger Cubs Could Help Save Their Species\u2014And You Can Name One<\/strong><\/p>\n Meet Linh Mai, the First Baby Elephant Born at the National Zoo in Nearly 25 Years<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe winning name\u2014and the ones that lost<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
Her brother\u2019s name honors a fallen ranger<\/b><\/h2>\n
Why these cubs matter<\/b><\/h2>\n
Then they stepped outside for the first time<\/b><\/h2>\n
Bold sister, cautious brother<\/b><\/h2>\n
When visitors might spot them<\/b><\/h2>\n