TIGERS – THE FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

#1 - Tigers are the largest cat species in the world, reaching up to 3.3 metres in length and weighing a whopping 300kg. That’s around the weight of four average humans.

#2 Unlike most other cats, tigers are great swimmers and actually love the water.

#3 Tiger cubs are born blind. They only open their eyes 1-2 weeks after birth.

#4 Cubs start to hunt at around six months of age but stay with their mum until they’re about 18 months old. When cubs play together, they’re actually learning essential pouncing and patience skills that will serve them well when they grow up.

#5 Tigers are carnivores and therefore only eat meat. They mainly feed on large mammals such as deer, wild pigs, antelope and buffalo. They need to plan their hunts carefully so as not to use up too much energy. Tracing down and chasing after an animal can be very tiring, especially if the tiger hasn’t had a good meal in a while.

#6 Adult tigers live and hunt alone. They generally search for their prey at night.

#7 A tiger has a very loud roar. In fact, it can be heard up to 3 kilometres away!

#8 Tigers have walked the earth for a very long time. Fossil remains found in parts of China suggest that tigers date back an impressive two million years.

#9 Did you know that no two tigers have the same stripes? Every single pattern is different – just like human fingerprints, which are all completely unique.

#10 There are currently just five subspecies of tiger. These are the Bengal tiger, the South China tiger, the Indochinese tiger, the Sumatran tiger and the Amur tiger (also known as the Siberian tiger). Unfortunately, three subspecies of tiger - the Caspian, Bali and Javan tiger – have already become extinct. Thankfully, conservation efforts have been stepped up in recent years to try and protect the remaining types.

#11 Tigers used to roam freely in countries like Singapore – but they no longer exist there due to mass hunting. Tigers do still exist in other Asian countries such as Thailand however.

If you’re wondering what to do in Finchley or are looking for child-friendly days out in London, don’t miss The Tiger Who Came To Tea. Following a successful run in the West End, this energetic, sing-along show is now touring the UK. So book your tickets today.