On the occasion of the International Tiger Day, Tata Steel Zoological Park named tiger cubs born on August 23 last year. Nominations for naming of the tiger cubs were invited via email and also directly vide drop boxes from February 5 to March 1.

A total of 457 entrees were received. Out of all the suggested names received from the general public,  214 female names for two female cubs were shortlisted. Finally, the two names selected for the two cubs are Saloni and Sunaina.

Accordingly, one of the major objectives of the Tata Steel Zoological Park is to create awareness on the need to conserve and preserve the country’s wild fauna diversity through awareness programs as well as aligning itself with ongoing international campaigns like ‘Save the Tiger’.

The commemoration of International Tiger Day began at 11.00 am with a welcome speech by Dr. Seema Rani, Biologist cum Education officer in which she explained about the necessity of conservation of tigers. Thereafter two names were selected through lottery, one for each cub, by the school students participating in the celebrations. The winners of the “name the tiger cubs contest” are Baidhnath Kumar Pandit from Baliguma, Dimna (suggested name- Salony) and Rita Mahato, F-38, Taya colony, Gamahria (suggested name – Sunaina).

The next event was the Keeper talk on Tiger given by Animal Keepers lalan Kumar and Vijay Mukhi,  and poster presentation sessions by zoo volunteers Rahul Tiwari and Harshita Champia.

Bipul Chakrabarty, director, TSZP was present as the chief guest and Sanjay Kumar Mahato, curator, TSZP was the guest of honour.