Sumatran Tiger Cub Twins’ Names Revealed at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
CubBirthsIncrease World’sPopulation of This Critically Endangered Species
SAN DIEGO (Sept.12, 2023) — Two Sumatran tiger cubs, born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in July, have now been officially named. The female cub is Puteri (pronounced Poo-tear-e), which means “princess” in Malay; and the male cub is Hutan (pronounced Hoo-taan), which means “forest.” The cubs were born July 12 to first-time mother Diana and father Dumai, and are the first of this critically endangered species to be born at the Safari Park’s Tull Family Tiger Trail habitat in seven years.
The births are a result of a breeding recommendation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP). Each SSP program, overseen by conservationists nationwide, ensures genetic diversity and healthy, self-sustaining assurance populations of threatened and endangered wildlife. Sumatran tigers are listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. With only an estimated 400 to 600 Sumatran tigers remaining on Earth, these births are significant in increasing the worldwide population of this tiger species and furthering the nonprofit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s ongoing work to conserve them.
Diana and her cubs are expected to remain in their den for several more weeks. For information, visit and Safari
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships. Through wildlife care, science expertise and collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. Annually, the Alliance reaches over 1 billion people, in person at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and virtually in 150 countries through media channels, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television programming in children’s hospitals in 13 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
