Mayor Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo announce official daily viewing schedule for Amur tiger cubs

Press Release By Louisville Zoo

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo are thrilled to announce a daily viewing schedule for the Zoo’s nearly five-month-old female Amur tiger cubs. Frankie, Masha, and Mira can now be seen in their outdoor habitat daily from noon to 3 p.m. While the noon to 3 p.m. window provides the highest likelihood of seeing the trio, the playful sisters are frequently in their new space outside viewing hours.

"The excitement around Frankie, Masha, and Mira has been incredible," said Mayor Greenberg. "These cubs have quickly become some of Louisville’s most beloved new residents, and this viewing schedule gives more guests the opportunity to experience the wonder of seeing these endangered animals grow and thrive at the Louisville Zoo."

"As the cubs continue to grow and become more comfortable in their habitat, we’re excited to make it even easier for families to plan a visit to see them," said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. "At nearly five months old, Frankie, Masha, and Mira are becoming more active, independent, and playful each day, and we know our visitors will enjoy watching their development in the months ahead. As a species native to the Amur River region of eastern Russia, northeastern China, and into the Korean peninsula, the cubs are perfectly suited for the cooler winter months ahead."

About the Trio of Cubs

The trio was born on May 27, at 1:24 a.m., to 4-year-old Viktoria and nearly 9-year-old Timmy. This marks the first births of this endangered species at the Louisville Zoo in 22 years. The last Amur tiger cubs born at the Louisville Zoo were Irisa and Anya on October 1, 2004. With these three births, there have now been 29 Amur tiger cubs in the Zoo’s 57-year history.

About Cub Names

At the Friends of the Louisville Zoo’s annual Zoofari fundraising gala in June, attendees had the chance to “adopt” the Amur tigers, which also included the opportunity to work with Zoo staff to name two of the three cubs.

Frankie was co-adopted by Central Bank and Donna and Ron Kramer. She was named in honor of Donna’s late father, Frank Arnold, Sr., who was an avid Zoo supporter and member of the Zoo Foundation Board.

Masha, the Russian form of the name Mary, was chosen by Jessica and Mac Thompson of White Clay. Also devoted supporters of the Zoo and animal conservation, the Thompsons chose to honor several members of Jessica’s immediate family who share the name Mary. In fact, her sister, Mary Whitney, shares a birthday with the cubs.

Mira’s name was suggested by the cubs care team and means “peace” or “world” in Slavic languages.

About Amur Tigers

Amur tigers are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List of Threatened Species. Formerly called Siberian tigers, they are no longer found in Siberia. They are currently found in the Amur River region of eastern Russia, northeastern China, and into the Korean peninsula. They are the largest living feline. Males weigh 400 – 600 pounds on average and measure up to 14 feet long including the tail. Average females weigh between 250 – 300 pounds. Tiger stripes are like fingerprints and are unique to that tiger.

Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through March 19, 2027, hours will be 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with guest exiting by 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information on hours and admission.