Meet Shehani And Kumar: San Diego Zoo Announces Winning Names For Sloth Bear Cubs

SAN DIEGO, CA — The two sloth bear cubs at the San Diego Zoo now have names.

The San Diego Zoo on Wednesday announced the winning names from a public poll. The poll, which was launched on March 25, allowed voters to choose between three names selected by zoo staff for each of the cubs.

For the female cub, voters selected Shehani, pronounced "sha-hahn-ee." The name means magic, shining and regal. For the male cub, voters selected Kumar, pronounced "koo-mahr." The name means prince.

The cubs can be seen with their mother, Shala, in their enclosure along the zoo's Upper Center Street.

Sloth bears, native to India, are a vulnerable species due to habitat destruction and poaching. The San Diego Zoo partners with India's Wildlife SOS sloth bear rescue facility, helping to fund conservation science and education programs.