The Tiger Cubs At Paignton Zoo Need Names
By Philip Knowling
April 9 2009
Paignton, UK – Paignton Zoo’s four rare Sumatran tigers cubs are looking for names.
Big cat keepers Jason Knight and Lucy Manning – with the help of the Indonesian Embassy in London – have drawn up a shortlist of names which people can vote for on the Zoo’s web site, www.paigntonzoo.org.uk.
The male names are Medan (a town in north Sumatra), Toba (a large lake in Sumatra), Sentosa (meaning safe or quiet), Catur (a local board-game but also a poetic Indonesian word for four), Aryo (hero) and Bintang (meaning star).
The female names are Kulu (from the name of an island east of Sumatra), Aini (an old Indonesian word for eye), Bethari (fierce goddess), Kemala (magic stone), Ratu (queen) and Surya – a word for the sun. The closing date for votes is Tuesday 5th May.
Paignton Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said: “At nine weeks the cubs are quite mobile and inquisitive but they still sleep a lot during the day. They will become more active over the coming weeks. We have put in cameras and a large video screen to help visitors. It is exciting, but if people can keep quiet when they are at the tiger enclosure then they are more likely to see the cubs.”
Paignton Zoo is a member of the European Endangered species Programme (EEP) for Sumatran tigers, which means it is part of the global effort to save this endangered species from extinction. Captive and wild populations are protected and managed in an attempt to prevent Sumatran tigers following the Bali and Javan tigers into extinction.
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to http://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/ or ring (01803) 697500.
Paignton Zoo is a member of the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums. For further information please telephone 020 7449 6351.
http://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/
http://www.zandavisitor.com/newsarticle-1224-The_Tiger_Cubs_At_Paignton_Zoo_Need_Names
