Go get 'em, tiger!
Newly-named and twice as adorable, these twin female tiger cubs have officially become part of the Dreamworld family, exploring their new home at Tiger Island in the Australian theme park on Jan. 11 -- and getting to know their big brother Kai. After a nation-wide competition to name these cute cubs, the staff at Dreamworld hand-picked two names that fit perfectly: Akasha and Adira.
Tiger Island Manager Patrick Martin-Vegue said in emailed statement, “We liked Akasha as it’s from India where tigers are still found in the wild and Adira because it means strong and noble, reflecting the majestic nature of tigers." Adira is an Arabic name.
The pair are joining the park’s cub VIP Tiger Cub Experience program, where park-goers can get up close with the cubs and help raise money for tiger conservation. With less than 3,000 tigers remaining in the wild, Dreamworld's tiger program seeks to prevent further extinction through these personal meet and greets with the cubs, and with its Adopt-An-Animal program.
The six-week-old cubs currently weigh 5.5 kilograms (12 pounds), but are set to grow quickly, already having grown five times their birth weight.
"They're starting to play together more now and are developing their own personalities. Akasha is definitely more bold and adventurous than her sister," said Martin-Vegue. "I'm sure they will be double trouble for Kai when they get a little older and stronger."
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