For millennia, art has been a way of exploring new concepts and challenging beliefs, and today’s family theatre shows are an excellent way of introducing children to serious issues. A trip to see The Tiger Who Came to Tea, for example, is a fun way to enjoy an on-stage retelling of Judith Kerr’s popular picture book - but it’s also a chance to talk to kids about tiger conservation. Here is a basic guide to the six subspecies of tiger and some facts about why each is special and important.

1. Amur tiger

The Amur tiger - often known as the Siberian tiger - is the largest of all the subspecies, reaching up to 3.2 metres long and weighing as much as 300kg. It has the palest, thickest coat, helping it to survive the harsh winters in Russia and northeastern China, where it lives. There are fewer than 600 left in the wild. 

2. Bengal tiger

The Bengal tiger has the largest remaining population in the world, but is still endangered. This subspecies is incredibly adaptive, and can live in tropical rainforests, temperate forests and mangrove swamps. Although Bengal tigers make up approximately half of the world’s total tiger population, there are still thought to be only 3,000 left in the wild. 
 

3. Sumatran tiger

The Sumatran tiger lives exclusively on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. It is the smallest of the subspecies and has more stripes than its relatives on the mainland. It also boasts a majestic white ruff around its neck. It’s estimated that about 400 are left in the wild. 

4. Indo-Chinese tiger

Roaming the tropical and subtropical forests of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos, the Indo-Chinese tiger is one of the most critically endangered subspecies, with fewer than 250 animals remaining in the wild. It has shorter fur than Siberian and Bengal tigers, helping it to stay comfortable in the heat of the Southeast Asian forests. 
 

5. Malayan tiger

With its bright orange coat and narrow stripes, the Malayan tiger is a beautiful creature. It’s the longest-lived subspecies, typically reaching between 12-18 years of age in the wild, and lives on the Malay Peninsula and in southern Thailand. It’s even more critically endangered than the Indo-Chinese tiger, with less than 150 individuals living in the wild. 
 

6. South China tiger 

The most ancient of the tiger subspecies, the South China tiger is also the smallest that lives in mainland Asia. Sadly they are thought to be functionally extinct in the wild, which means there are so few left that they are no longer thought to play an effective role in their ecosystem. There have been no confirmed sightings in the past 30 years. 

See a one-of-a-kind tiger on stage

The tiger who arrives at Sophie’s house for tea is certainly one of a kind, eating all the sandwiches and drinking all the tea. Back for a 2026 UK tour, The Tiger Who Came to Tea is one of the best family shows around - perfect for kids aged three and up. Browse our tour dates and book your family theatre tickets today.