• Male, Lima (sounds like Lee-ma) means five in Malay. He is the smallest male as well as the most outgoing and people-oriented cub. He can be identified by a stripe in the middle of his forehead that swoops right.
• Male, Rava (sounds like Rah-vah) is a combination of parents Ava and Raja’s names. He is bold, charismatic and mischievous. He can be identified by a candle flame marking over his right eyebrow.
• Female, Rezeki (sounds like Reh-zeh-kee) means good fortune in Malay. She is the smallest and loudest of the cubs. She sticks very close to mother, Ava, and can be identified by the heart over her left eye. Ava also has a heart over her left eye.
• Male, Rimau (sounds like Rum-au) means tiger in Malay. The full word is Harimau. He is the darkest colored cub and is burnt orange color. He is very independent, but more cautious. He likes to observe his siblings before moving forward. He can be identified by the star over his left eye.
• Female, Senja (sounds like Sen-ja) means last light or dusk in Malay. She’s the bravest and most outdoorsy of the cubs. She loves to sunbathe. She can be identified by her pale forehead and the bracelet marking on her front left ankle.

“Names are a powerful indicator of an animal’s significance and sentience,” said Tulsa Zoo Vice President of Animal Conservation and Science Joe Barkowski. “Our team worked very hard to be very thoughtful and honor the Malay culture that is home to these majestic animals.”

 

Tulsa Zoo sought name recommendations from Malayan tiger conservation professionals in Malaysia. The organization, RIMAU, focuses on anti-poaching efforts and awareness. 

 

The five critically endangered tiger cubs were born overnight on Aug. 8 and 9, 2024. Their birth increased the North American population by 10 percent. Five months later, each cub continues to thrive, which is a first for a litter of this size among accredited zoos.

 

Tulsa Zoo is a long-time partner with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Malayan Tiger Species Survival Plan. Through this program, accredited zoos work together to ensure a sustainable population of these animals in AZA care.

 

Malayan tigers are native to the Malay Peninsula and are the national animal of Malaysia. They are critically endangered with fewer than 150 in the wild due to threats such as habitat loss and poaching. Currently, there are approximately 55 Malayan tigers in AZA facilities, Tulsa Zoo cares for eight.