Sumatran tiger

London Zoo is home to Sumatran tigers - visit them in their Tiger Territory habitat or go behind-the-scenes as a VIP Tiger Keeper. 

Eleven things you didn't know about Sumatran tigers

From their history to their impressive hunting skills, there’s always something new to learn about everyone’s favourite big cat.

1. They are the smallest tigers 

There are five tiger subspecies and Sumatran tigers are the smallest. 

2. Cubs learn to hunt quickly 

Tiger cubs will start hunting from as young as one year old, but they’ll stay with their mother until they’re two years old.

3. They've been around for 2 million years

Fossils of tiger remains in China show that tigers could be over 2 million years old!

4. They love water

Unlike like most of their cousins, tigers love swimming and will frequently cool off by having a dip in nearby rivers.

5. They're unique 

No two tigers are ever the same, as each has its own unique stripe pattern. This makes tigers identifiable to conservationists in the wild. 

6. They're loud

A tiger’s roar is so loud that is can be heard from two miles away.

7. They have narrow stripes 

Sumatran tigers have the narrowest black stripes of any tiger subspecies and they're also the darkest in orange compared to other subspecies. This is because they are ambush predators in the Indonesian jungle and need to blend in amongst the thick vegetation so it helps with camouflage. 

8. They can jump

Tigers are excellent jumpers. Even when sitting down, a tiger can leap forward 10 metres.

9. They have five different types of whiskers

These whiskers pick up on vibrations their prey makes when moving through the jungle.

10. They have a strong bite 

A tiger can bite down with the force of 1000 pounds! Prey includes wild cattle, pigs and deer. 

11. The collective noun is a streak 

A group of tigers is known as a ‘streak’. 

How many Sumatran tigers are left in the wild? 

Sumatran tigers are the rarest subspecies of tiger, classified as Critically Endangered, and it’s estimated that there are only around 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild. They are under threat from illegal hunting as their skins and body parts fetch high prices on the black market. 

How to help Sumatran tigers  

Every time you visit the Zoo you’re helping support our vital conservation work with Sumatran tigers and other species at risk. 

You can also help to protect tigers by buying sustainable palm oil. Sumatran tigers are being wiped out by unsustainable palm oil and by looking out for the RSPO sustainability logo during your supermarket shop you can help make a difference.