Twin Amur tigers born at Como Zoo in August now have names — Marisa and Maks.

Two longtime volunteers who have worked with zookeepers to care for and teach the public about the zoo's big cats came up with the names. The cubs were the first to be born at the St. Paul zoo in more than 40 years.

The volunteers call Marisa, which they found to mean "spirited and tenacious," a perfect reflection of her personality. The name also carries special significance for the Como Zoo community, as it honors a retired zookeeper of the same name who was instrumental in the care of large cats during her 43 years at the zoo, said Michelle Furrer, Como Zoo and Conservatory director.

The male cub has been named Maks, which is associated with meanings like "the greatest" or "strength and leadership." The volunteers felt this was an apt description of the male cub's confident demeanor and growing sense of leadership, Furrer said.

"Marisa and Maks aren't just names; they're a fun reminder of the passion and care that keep us committed to protecting wildlife every day," Furrer said.

The newborns and their first-time mother, 7-year-old Bernadette, remain off view to allow for more bonding time, zoo officials said. The cubs' father, 11-year-old Tsar, has been a Como resident since February 2019 and remains on view.

Fewer than 500 Amur tigers — also known as Siberian tigers — remain in the wild as they face critical threats from habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflict, the zoo said.