Longleat has revealed the names of its four rare Amur tiger cubs, following a public vote that captured the imagination of animal lovers across the country. The adorable five-month-old cubs have been named Ginger Biscuit, Dora-Boo, Seeka, and Heidi, in a tribute to their unique personalities and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect their species.
The names were unveiled in a special video recorded by Longleat’s Lead Carnivore Keeper, Eloise Kilbane, who expressed her gratitude to the public for their enthusiastic participation. She also took the time to introduce each cub individually, offering insights into their emerging characters.
Eloise explained the inspiration behind each name, starting with Dora-Boo, which combines two of the most popular votes. Describing Dora-Boo as “the princess of the four,” Eloise said, “She’s often seen with her front paws crossed or cuddling up to mum, Yana.”
Ginger Biscuit was another name that resonated with voters. Eloise shared, “We were really pleased this was popular as we were hoping for a name that linked their colouring to their dad, Red, and older brother, Rusty.” Ginger Biscuit’s sibling Rusty was born to Yana and Red in 2019, further strengthening the family ties.
Lastly, the playful duo Heidi and Seeka round off the group. As Eloise delightfully explained, these two are constantly hiding and seeking, living up to their names with endless energy and exploration. “They’re the biggest cubs and love running off together, often forgetting about mum as they venture out.”
The four cubs, who are all female, are gradually increasing their time spent in Longleat’s famous drive-through safari, where visitors can catch glimpses of them either roaming their paddock or nestled in the company of their protective mother, Yana. “We’re being led by Yana,” said Eloise. “When she feels they’ve had enough for the day, she brings them back into the house, but every day their confidence is growing.”
Longleat, which now has the largest collection of tigers in the UK, is thrilled by the overwhelming public interest in the cubs. Eloise expressed her thanks, saying, “We’ve been so delighted by the response, not just to their arrival but also to the naming vote. The support we’ve received, from messages and emails to comments on our social media, has been wonderful.”
The Amur tiger, once commonly known as the Siberian tiger, is currently listed as endangered, with an estimated 450 left in the wild. Longleat’s involvement in breeding programmes and conservation initiatives is part of a larger effort to safeguard the future of this majestic species.
The four cubs are a critical addition to the Amur tiger population, and Longleat’s ongoing commitment to their care and conservation offers a beacon of hope for their survival. Visitors are encouraged to come and witness these incredible animals up close, while supporting efforts to protect one of the world’s most endangered big cats.
