Meet Rina: The Public Just Named Dallas Zoo’s New Sumatran Tiger Cub After a Ranger
The Dallas Zoo’s female Sumatran tiger cub was born in February without a name. After a donation-based voting contest gave the public a chance to weigh in, that has changed.
Her name is Rina.
The zoo announced the result of the public vote, revealing that supporters chose the name in honor of Rina PA, a ranger with the Sumatran Ranger Project who works to protect the critically endangered species in the wild. It was the winning choice out of three options the zoo put to a vote.
Rina is one of two cubs born to mother Sukacita — known as “Suki” — on Feb. 22. Both cubs weighed approximately 2.5 pounds at birth. They are Sumatran tigers, a critically endangered species with fewer than 600 individuals remaining in the wild, according to the 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 Three Names the Public Voted On
The zoo presented three name options, each with a connection to Sumatra. The voting was donation-based, meaning every vote also served as a direct contribution to conservation efforts for the species. The three choices were:
- 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 won. The name connects the cub to a real person doing conservation work on the ground in Sumatra, where the remaining wild population of Sumatran tigers lives. The donation-based voting structure meant the contest served a dual purpose: letting the public name the cub while raising funds for the conservation of her species.
Her Brother’s Name Honors a Fallen Ranger
While the public selected Rina’s name, the zoo’s animal care team chose her brother’s. They named him Serasi, in tribute to a ranger from the same Sumatran Ranger Project who dedicated his life to protecting wildlife in Sumatra before his passing.
“Thanks to your incredible support, the votes are in and our female cub’s name is Rina,” the zoo wrote on Instagram. “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 pairing forms a tribute to the Sumatran Ranger Project from both directions. Rina carries the name of a ranger still actively working to protect the species. Serasi carries the memory of one who gave his life to the same cause. Together, the two cubs represent a living link between the Dallas Zoo and the rangers working to keep Sumatran tigers from disappearing.
The Cubs Just Took Their First Steps Outside
The naming announcement came packaged with a second milestone. For the very first time, Rina and Serasi stepped onto their outdoor habitat — and their personalities were already on full display.
“And there’s more exciting news… today, for the very first time, Rina and Serasi stepped onto their habitat!” the zoo wrote. “Rina is already showing off her confidence, venturing out with Suki and taking in the space, while Serasi is taking things a bit slower, easing into it and building confidence at his own pace.”
Rina, true to her bold namesake, ventured away from her mother independently and explored the habitat on her own terms. Serasi took a more cautious approach, staying close to Suki and easing into the new environment step by step. The contrast between the two siblings was immediate and unmistakable.
The zoo said there is no set schedule for the cubs’ habitat time yet. Rina and Serasi will rotate time with the adult tigers, and Suki will lead the way when the cubs head outside. Their outdoor explorations will depend on how comfortable they feel and what the weather allows.
When You Can See Them at the Dallas Zoo
For visitors hoping to spot the newest additions at the Dallas Zoo, the zoo had a clear message.
“Guests may catch playful glimpses anytime!” the zoo wrote.
There are no guaranteed sightings, but as Rina and Serasi grow more comfortable in the outdoor space, visitors may be able to catch them during any trip to the zoo. For now, the two cubs are still adjusting — one boldly, one cautiously — to the world outside their den.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
