MEET little Makari.

That’s the name chosen after a competition to name Marwell Zoo’s adorable male Amur tiger cub.

Makari, which is a Russian name from Greek origin meaning ‘blessed’, was a clear favourite after receiving 52 per cent of the public vote.

At just 13 weeks old he is starting to explore his new home with sisters Bailla and Zima under the watchful eye of mum.

Born to first-time parents Milla and Bagai, the triplets are the first Amur tiger cubs born at Marwell for 12 years.

Makari and his sisters will be a valuable asset to the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme (EEP) which conserves the species and avoid extinction.

Marc Fox, team leader for carnivores at Marwell, said: “Milla is looking after her cubs very well; she’s attentive, protective and very patient with her excitable youngsters.

“It’s great to watch the cubs finding their feet, running around and exploring their new surroundings.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for the winning name – we think Makari is a great choice.”

In the 1940s, the Amur tiger was close to extinction with an estimated population of fewer than 30 individuals remaining in the wild.

Decades of turmoil in Russia and formation of the former Soviet Union reportedly contributed to failures to stem uncontrolled persecution.

In 1947 the Soviet Union became the first country to introduce legislation that imposed protection, including banning hunting of tigers. Hunting of the tiger’s main prey species, boar and deer were also limited at this time.

Today, the Amur tiger has full priority species protection in both countries in which it occurs, Russia and China. The population is now estimated to be 360 individuals.

However, poaching is still a threat to the species.