Jamshedpur’s Tata Steel Zoological Park officially named its three newborn female tiger cubs Avni, Kaira, and Shakti following an enthusiastic public naming campaign.
Tigress Sunaina and tiger Rudra welcomed the trio on September 23, 2026. Zoo authorities initially believed one cub was male, prompting citizens to submit mixed gender names.
However, a subsequent medical examination confirmed that all three newborns are healthy females. Over 650 residents actively participated in the naming drive via WhatsApp and direct messages.
These participants submitted more than 1,900 creative name ideas for the young felines. Zoo officials carefully reviewed the suggestions before finalizing three meaningful Indian names for the cubs.
Three participants suggested Avni, which translates to “Earth.” Four citizens proposed Kaira, a name meaning “bright” or “radiant.”
Shakti emerged as the most popular choice among residents, symbolizing “supreme feminine power.” Fourteen different participants submitted this powerful name during the online campaign.
This joyful naming milestone brings the total tiger population at Tata Steel Zoological Park to nine. The zoo now houses four adult tigers and five younger cubs or sub-adults.
The adult group consists of one male and three females, including the proud parents, Rudra and Sunaina. Meanwhile, the younger group comprises one male and four female felines.
This younger batch includes Tara and Sara, two older cubs born in late 2025. The newest additions, Avni, Kaira, and Shakti, complete this vibrant group of young big cats.
Zoo officials expressed gratitude to Jamshedpur citizens for their overwhelming support in welcoming the newest members of the park’s growing tiger family.
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