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Name the cub! Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens needs your help naming Malayan tiger

Voting starts Jan. 17 and ends Jan. 31

This adorable Malayan tiger cub was born on Nov. 5 and still needs a name. (Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The name of a Malayan tiger cub at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is in your hands!

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is asking for your help naming one of three Malayan tiger cubs born in November 2023.

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News4JAX shared the good news of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ newborn cubs who came to the world on Nov. 5. According to the zoo, two girls and one boy were born, and one of the girls is still in need of a name.

That’s where your help is needed.

Starting Jan. 17 and until Jan. 31, the public will be able to choose from a list of pre-selected names from Animal Care Specialists.

Everyone is invited to vote. However, anyone who wishes to vote is required to donate at least $5 to directly support the zoo’s mission.

Zoo officials said they are matching up to $20,000 in donations through the naming contest. The name that raises the most funds will be the selected name for the precious cub.

Here are all the name options you can choose from:

  • Nayla (NAY-la): meaning a winner, or one who goes ahead to get everything
  • Mina (MEE-nah): meaning one who is unrelenting and determined
  • Seniya (seh-NI-yah): meaning one who is praiseworthy
  • Indah (IN-dah): meaning beautiful one
  • Cahya (KAI-yah or ka-HI-yah): meaning one who is the light in darkness

RELATED | Coming soon: Malayan tiger at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens expecting at least 2 cubs

You might be wondering, what are the other two cubs’ names?

According to the zoo, the two siblings have been named by donors. The male cub is Machli (MOCK-lee), a world-renown tiger of the Ranthambore National Park, and the female is Beppy, named after a beloved family member.

The a-roar-able cubs are not yet on exhibit, but rest assured, they’ve been bonding with their mom night and day!

Malayan tiger cub bonding with her mom at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. (Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens)

Please visit this website to submit your vote.

This adorable cub is counting on you!


About the Author
Marcela Camargo headshot

Marcela joined News4JAX in 2023. She grew up in Mexico and eventually moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Now, she is a proud San Diego State University alumna who has many years of experience in TV and digital journalism.

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