Sumatran tiger sisters mark a first for Fort Worth Zoo

Two female Sumatran tiger cubs have been born at Fort Worth Zoo in Texas, a first for the institution and an addition to a coordinated breeding programme for the critically endangered animals.

The sisters, Barani and Malu, were born on July 1 to first-time mother Ndari and father Rakan. Announcing their arrival on October 2, the zoo said they had spent their early months behind the scenes, nursing, playing and learning to run, jump and climb as keepers monitored their development.

Already, their personalities are showing. Barani, whose name means “brave,” often starts play-fights with her sister. Malu, meaning “shy” or “reserved,” is more independent and often naps alone. Their names draw on Indonesian languages, reflecting the tigers’ native island of Sumatra.

Fewer than 650 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild, threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Fort Worth Zoo works with other North American zoos to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population in human care, and the sisters will contribute to that effort.

Keepers are waiting until the cubs are strong enough to navigate their public habitat safely. The zoo hopes to introduce them to visitors in the coming weeks.