Winnipeg zoo welcomes new tiger cubs

The Assiniboine Park Zoo has welcomedtwoAmur tiger cubs from Calgary.

SamkhaandVasili, both males, arrived Friday from the Calgary Zoo. Theywere moved to Winnipeg on a recommendation from the Species Survival Plan (SSP) based on their genetics for future breeding, according to a news release from Assiniboine Park Zoo.

Were absolutely thrilled, Brian Joseph, director of zoological operations, said in the release.

Not only will they be a delight for our visitors, they will play an important role in the future population of Amur tigers worldwide through the Species Survival Plan.

The cubs were named through a naming contest held by the Calgary Zoo after the cubs were born on March 30, 2012. The name Samkha has the reverse syllables of the cubs grandfathers name, Khasam, a long-time Calgary Zoo resident.

The name means sacredin several areas of India.

Vasili means royal or kinglyin Russian.

Samkha and Vasili are currently off exhibit during a standard30-day quarantine period and are not available forviewing bythe public.

The Assiniboine Park Zoo is nearing completion on a new 26,000-square-foot tiger habitat and expects the cubs to move into the exhibit once their quarantine period is complete.