Louisville Zoo invites public to name new tiger cub

Photo: Kyle Shepherd

The Louisville Zoo is inviting the public to help name one of its newest additions, a male Sumatran tiger cub born on July 23, 2024. Norton Children’s is presenting the opportunity to vote on the cub’s name, marking the first time a Sumatran tiger cub has been born at the Zoo in 20 years.

The zookeepers at the Islands have selected three potential names that reflect the importance of this cub and honor his parents: 

• Satu (sah-too): Means “one” in Indonesian. With less than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, every cub is vital for the survival of this critically endangered species.  
• Saya Sambal (Sigh-ya-sah-m-ball): Honors his dad, Kami Sambal, who passed away on August 20, 2024.  Kami’s name means “we are spicy sauce” in Indonesian, referring to the wild nature of tigers, which are not domesticated and are often trafficked for the pet trade, leading to significant conservation issues.  “Saya Sambal” means “I am spicy sauce.”
• Kaji (kah-gee): A combination of both parents’ names, Kami and Jingga. Their legacy will live on through this cub, contributing to the conservation of Sumatran tigers for future generations.

Voting begins today and continues through Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 11 p.m. Guests can cast their votes once daily at louisvillezoo.org/namethetigercub.

The mother and cub are currently off exhibit, bonding. Guests can check in on them via the Zoo’s live cam at louisvillezoo.org/cubcam.