Twin Sumatran tiger cubs Malu and Barani were born at the Fort Worth Zoo on July 1. Zookeepers hope they will be ready for their public debut at the Predators of Asia and Africa habitat soon.
Fort Worth Zoo
Twin tiger cubs born at the Fort Worth Zoo over the summer will soon be ready to make their public debut at the Predators of Asia and Africa habitat.
Sisters Malu and Barani were born July 1, the zoo announced in a news release and on social media Friday. The twins are the first members of the critically endangered Sumatran tiger subspecies to be born at the zoo in its 117-year history.
“It’s always exciting to welcome new babies and watch them grow here at the Zoo,” said Ramona Bass, chairman of the Fort Worth Zoo, in the release. “But we’re hopeful that these cubs will inspire a new generation to learn about and care for their wild counterparts and the future of this critically endangered species.”
The littlest, BIGGEST news you’ll EVER hear! 🤏🐯🤏🐯
For the FIRST time in Fort Worth Zoo history, Sumatran tiger cubs have been born! 🥹 The Zoo is earning its stripes with TWO of the cutest new faces! 🐯🐯
More on these little ladies later! 🫰🫰 pic.twitter.com/vWhtmkCfph
— Fort Worth Zoo (@FortWorthZoo) October 2, 2026
The last tiger cubs born at the Fort Worth Zoo were from the Malayan subspecies. They were born in 2008.
The twins have been bonding with their mother, Ndari, behind the scenes. They’re now running, jumping and climbing, according to the release, and have started eating some meat with their meals. They’ve also begun to play fight with each other and their mother.
Barani means “brave” in the Indonesian language. Zookeepers describe her as a “spitfire” and say she loves to start play fights with her sister. The Sumatran tiger cub was born at the Fort Worth Zoo on July 1. Fort Worth Zoo
Sumatran tigers are the smallest tiger subspecies in the world. In the wild, they’re found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Experts estimate that there are only around 600 left in their natural habitat.
The cubs’ names come from the Indonesian language. Barani means “brave,” and her keepers characterize her as a “spitfire,” according to the release. She loves to start play fights with her sister. Malu means “shy or reserved,” and she often spends time alone, her keepers have said.
The name Malu means “shy or reserved” in the Indonesian language, and zookeepers say this Sumatran tiger cub enjoys spending time alone. She and her sister were born at the Fort Worth Zoo on July 1. Fort Worth Zoo
“Because these are the first cubs born in the new Predators of Asia & Africa tiger habitat, zookeepers want to be sure Barani and Malu are big and strong enough to navigate the new space, including the many water features,” the release states. “The Zoo is hopeful the cubs will make their public debut in the coming weeks and will be sure to share updates on the Zoo’s website and social media.”
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