Two young female Sumatran tiger cubs at Heidelberg Zoo have been officially named Sari and Raya following an online poll that received over 3,000 votes.
Voting results
The names Sari and Raya were chosen from 2,500 suggestions in a vote that involved over 3,000 internet users.
Health status of the cubs
The tiger cubs born in November 2025 weigh over 10 kg, have received their second vaccination, and are developing properly.
Differences in character
Despite similar appearances, Raya is calmer, while Sari exhibits greater courage and energy.
Two young female Sumatran tiger cubs at Heidelberg Zoo have been officially named Sari and Raya. The decision was made following an online vote that received over 3,000 votes. The process of selecting names for the animals began in early February 2026, when the facility received over 2,500 suggestions from zoo supporters. The chosen names were finally announced on March 12, ending a several-week wait for the official naming of the zoo's new residents.
The tiger cubs were born in November 2025 and have been under the close care of specialists ever since. Their mother is a female named Karis, who cares for her offspring in a specially prepared enclosure. As veterinarian Barbara Bach reported, both young females are healthy and developing properly, and their body weight has already exceeded 10 kilograms each. The keepers notice clear differences in the sisters' behavior – Raya is described as a calmer animal, while Sari exhibits much greater temperament and energy. Sumatran tigers are a valuable part of the facility's breeding program. „Die Tiere sind gesund und entwickeln sich prächtig” (The animals are healthy and developing splendidly) — Barbara Bach via ZEIT ONLINE
Heidelberg Zoo, which has been directed by Klaus Wünnemann since 1998, has been involved in the protection of rare animal species for years. The facility has a long history dating back to the 1930s and currently occupies an area of over 10 hectares. The birth of two female Sumatran tigers is a significant event for the zoo, which participates in the European Endangered Species Programme. Heidelberg Zoo was founded in 1933 and officially opened on November 20, 1934. The facility currently covers an area of 10.2 hectares and presents approximately 2,500 animals from over 150 species. Since 1998, the director of the zoo has been Klaus Wünnemann, who oversees the zoo's participation in numerous nature conservation programs. Timeline of births and name selection: November 2025 — Tiger cubs born; February 2026 — Name suggestions collected; March 12, 2026 — Names announced
Mentioned People
- Barbara Bach — Veterinarian at Heidelberg Zoo
- Klaus Wünnemann — Director of Heidelberg Zoo since 1998