Tiger Territory

On 3 February 2014, keepers were delighted when female Sumatran tiger Melati gave birth to triplets - vital additions to the international breeding programme for this critically endangered species. The three are growing-up fast and have each developed their own little personalities, read about them here and then try to spot these three characters on your next visit.

Name: Cinta (pronounced Sin-ta)

Meaning of Name: Love

Gender: Female

Character: A real mummy’s girl, Cinta likes to make sure she has mum’s approval before bounding off with her brothers. She’s very playful and already developing fantastic stalking skills – she likes hiding in the long grasses to pounce on her brothers!

Likes:  Mid-day naps with her Mum. During the lunch time hours you can usually see Cinta curled up with Melati in the tall grass.  

Dislikes: Cinta loves her afternoon naps snuggled up with mum – and pulls very grumpy (but very funny!) faces when she’s disturbed.

Name: Nakal

Meaning of Name: Trouble or Naughty

Gender: Male

Character: Nicknamed ‘Trouble’ by keepers when he was just days old, Nakal’s cheeky name reflects his cheeky personality. He’s definitely the boldest of the three cubs and the most boisterous – he loves to play rough and tumble games, and he’s always up for extending playtime.

Likes:  Nakal takes after dad Jae Jae and enjoy a tasty snack of rabbit.  They might be tiny but all three cubs have humungous appetites – chomping down on a 2kg joint every day as well as snacks of quail and meat chunks.

Dislikes:  Nakal gets bored when his siblings don’t want to play – so he just nudges them until they do play again!

Name: Budi

Meaning of Name: Wise

Gender: Male

Character: Budi is a thoughtful cub. He is quickly learning how to be an adult tiger and practises his pouncing by chasing mum Melati’s tail. He also loves to play fight with his brother, which is a key stage in a young cub’s development – they practise their hunting techniques on each other!

Likes: Budi loves to explorer, boldly going where no other cub has gone before. He was the first cub who was brave enough to climb the wooden platforms and can often be found up there with the rest of the family.

Dislikes:  Budi is a smart cub and loves stalking Melati through the paddock – so he is most put out when brother Nakal beats him to the goal of jumping on mum! 

Find out all about the male resident of ZSL London Zoo's Sumatran tiger exhibit Tiger Territory.

Jae Jae is a handsome male Sumatran tiger with a unique and eye-catching ruff of fur.

Born in San Francisco Zoo, Jae Jae moved to Akron Zoo, Ohio with his brothers Kami Sambol, and Burung when they were all a year old.

In autumn 2012, Jae Jae went the distance for love, travelling to his new home in ZSL London Zoo to meet female tiger Melati as part of the global breeding programme for this critically endangered species.

After successful introductions by zookeepers it's clear Jae Jae and feisty Australian Melati are a good match and the relaxed Romeo seems quite smitten with the new lady in his life.

On 3 February 2014, Jae Jae become a dad - to no less than three Sumatran tiger cubs! 

Find out more about the tiger cubs

Jae Jae loves trying out new things and is always up for an adventure – be that bravely checking out a new paddock or getting to grips with a new toy. Quickly capturing the hearts of his keepers, Jae Jae is a fast learner and friendly to all he meets.

Jae Jae loves showing off his climbing skills on the five metre tall feeding pole – and he loves it even more when there’s a tasty treat at the top.

Adopt Jae Jae

Support tigers by adoption Jae Jae for yourself or as a gift! Includes an e-ticket to the Zoo.

Adopt A Tiger

Find out all about the female resident of ZSL London Zoo's brand new exhibit Tiger Territory.

Melati is a young female Sumatran tiger with delicate feminine features. She is noticeably smaller than male Jae Jae.

Moving to ZSL London Zoo from the west coast of Australia, Melati lived in Perth Zoo with her twin brother Jaya until she was two years old, when they were moved into separate enclosures.

Her father Hari was the last Sumatran tiger cub to be born at ZSL London Zoo, so she’s returning to her British roots.

Zookeepers say that Melati is an intelligent and careful cat – taking her time to assess situations before jumping in paws-first. Unlike her roommate Jae Jae, Melati prefers to get to know people before deciding whether she likes them but she’s a loyal friend once she does.

Tigers live in a world of smells and keepers regularly spray perfume around Tiger Territory as enrichment for the big cats. Melati is a girls’ girl through and through – her favourite scent is the ultra- feminine Chanel No.5!

On the 3 February 2014, Melati gave birth to three cubs - vital new additions to the international breeding programme for this critically endangered species. 

Find out more about the tiger cubs