Las Vegas Weekly

July 24, 2008 · 6 AM

S&R get a little help from their friends in naming of cubs

By Robin Leach

Siegfried & Roy curtail the rambunctious "Star" during Wednesday's event at The Mirage.

Photo: Scott Doctor

Incredible illusionists Siegfried & Roy welcomed their beautiful new baby white-striped tiger cubs just a few weeks ago – click here for Luxe Life’s previous incredible close-up coverage from June 17. At the time they promised our Clark County School District students the unique opportunity to name some of them. Our Luxe Life ace photographer Scott Doctor was at The Mirage on Wednesday when they held the naming ceremony. See his gallery of photos here.

Students from more than 60 school classes took part in the contest. Siegfried & Roy personally selected “Star” as the first winning name. “Celestial” was chosen as the second winning name from the list submitted by Mirage hotel guests, including winners Jackie Topacio from Cerritos, Calif., and Lori Diaz from Ocoee, Florida. From our photographer’s lens, it’s easy to see that Celestial is the quieter of the two, happily sucking on its milk bottle the entire time. But “Star” lived up to a diva’s reputation with some unfriendly fidgeting and the occasional snarl as if everybody around was a candidate for lunch!

In a statement, Roy said, “It’s great to be able to combine children’s enthusiasm with the spirit that our magnificent creatures possess. It’s vital to continue educating a new generation needed to care for our planet’s animals.”

Both tiger cubs were born on April 29 and are now in residence at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden. Star and Celestial are joined by their golden brother, Svengali, and their sisters, Chakra and Cosmo.

Roy previously told me that he’d previously named his own favorite cub “Chakra” -– the one he spends the most time with. He said: “Chakra” is the translation of “center core,” which explained the state of his strength, his will, his determination and well-being. “It comes right from the center of my being,” he said, and even wrote the name down to ensure I got the spelling correct! He admitted, “She is the best rehab for me.” Siegfried added: “You can describe her as a precious princess because its definitely Daddy’s little girl.”

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