Texas zoo welcomes first Sumatran tiger cubs

A Texas zoo is welcoming its first ever Sumatran tiger cubs.

Sisters Barani and Malu were born to first-time mom Ndari and dad Rakan at the Fort Worth Zoo on July 1 and weigh about 18 to 20 pounds each, or about the same as a large pumpkin, 13 weeks later.

According to the zoo, Barani, which means "brave," is already a "spitfire" who loves to start play-fights with her sister. Meanwhile, Malu, which means "reserved," appears to be more independent and enjoys her alone-time.

Sumatran tigers, native to Indonesia, are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as critically endangered. They can grow to over 300 pounds and over 8 feet long and run as fast as 40 miles an hour, according to the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Society.

Barani and Malu will make their public debut at the zoo's "Predators of Asia and Africa" tiger habitat in the coming weeks.

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Ramona Bass, chairman of the Fort Worth Zoo, expressed optimism about the cubs' arrival in a press release on Friday.

"We're hopeful that these cubs will inspire a new generation to learn about and care for their wild counterparts and the future of this critically endangered species," she said.