Meet Nadya (Siberian tiger), the second daughter of Kumara and litter sister of Vanya. Pictured here, she is 2 weeks old.

I had the opportunity, when I found out about the birth of this cub and her sister, to help name them. I figured we would all throw names into a hat or something and then have a draw, but it wasn't the case. I gave a list of female Russian names (since they are both female) with a "if I had to choose one".

In the end, the sole responsibility of naming them fell to me. The first, seen here was named "Nadya", which means "Hope" - I figured during her lifespan, the fate of the tiger might very well be determined...we'll need hope during that time. The other went to another zoo, but I named her "Vanya" (God's gift) for the transfer papers...who knows, they might keep the name.

Being there and seeing them was one of the most amazing and beautiful things I have ever witnessed. I got this paternal feeling from naming them that gave me this incredible urge to stay by their side and take care of them - I just wanted to be there and help raise and protect them. There really were no words to describe it...to see such a new life, seeing the world for the first time and learning how to use their bodies and to hear their little chuffs! It was amazing...they recognized my chuffs! I would imagine that the full-time folks at the zoo might be used to the whole experience by now, but I don't think I ever would.

You can see videos here...
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Tigers are the largest of the big cats and are exclusively found in Asia from India to Vietnam, from Indonesia to the Russian Far East. The tiger can be divided into 9 subspecies: 4 are currently critically endangered and 3 are already extinct. Though estimations of tiger populations only a few years ago was 5,500-6,000, today populations are likely closer to 3,500 and are still declining. Dramatic declines of the tiger in India, thought to host the majority of the world’s tigers, have fallen to less than 1,411. Overall, the past decade has seen a 40% reduction in tiger habitat, which now represents a mere 7% of its historic range. Poaching is a significant problem throughout the tiger’s range, the demand for its body parts in traditional medicines, tonics, and exotic dishes driving a lucrative trade that is wiping out entire populations. Long-term threats include habitat fragmentation and prey depletion, which is accelerating the tiger’s demise and subsequently reducing the long-term genetic viability of many populations.

If you want to help, the best for you to do is to educate yourself ([link]), never buy products made from tigers or endangered species ([link]), and tell others. Contact me for more information.