If you’re searching “children’s theatre near me” this summer, don’t miss The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Returning to the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 5 September 2026, it’s a fun family production full of songs, dancing and magic. It’s based on Judith Kerr’s best-selling picture book, which tells the story of a tiger who arrives at Sophie’s house, eats all the food, drinks all the tea and disappears. While the tiger remains a mysterious figure in the story, there are plenty of real-life tiger cubs who are getting lots of publicity recently. Let’s meet the newest arrivals in the UK and internationally.

Sumatran tigers - Howletts Wild Animal Park

On 9 April 2026, Sumatran tiger Tipah gave birth to four cubs at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent. The event marked a first-time breeding milestone for the park, which has never been home to newborn Sumatran tiger cubs before. While the cubs spent their first few weeks tucked away in private with their mum, they were in their public enclosure by late May.

Amur tigers - Longleat Safari Park

Mid-July saw Longleat Safari Park welcome twin Amur tiger cubs to its estate, born to third-time parents Red (dad) and Yana (mum). The births were announced on International Tiger Day and keepers have every confidence that Yana will do an excellent job raising the new arrivals. Visitors will be able to see Yana over the summer, but will have to wait another few weeks until they can catch a glimpse of the cubs.

Bengal tigers - Cuba National Zoo

In the midst of an ongoing energy crisis, Cuba’s National Zoo celebrated some good news this summer: the birth of four Bengal tiger cubs. Keepers are working around the clock to provide the best possible care to the babies and the zoo’s other residents despite the shortages.

Bengal tigers - Tanganyika Wildlife Park

On 11 June, Bengal tiger Sienna gave birth to three cubs at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Kansas,USA. The birth was something of a surprise to keepers, who only found out Sienna was pregnant shortly beforehand. The cubs spent their first weeks with their mum before being hand-reared by keepers, who are providing tailored nutrition and medical care.

Sumatran tigers - Fota Wildlife Park

A further two Sumatran tiger cubs were born at Fota Wildlife Park in Cork, Ireland on 16 June. It’s mum Jambi’s first litter - and the first time more than one cub has been born in a single litter at the park. Unlike the keepers in the USA, Fota’s staff are taking a hands-off approach, letting the cubs stay tucked away with mum and nurse naturally.

Amur tigers - Siberian Tiger Park

Ten Amur tiger cubs were born in March to three mums at Hailin’s Siberian Tiger Park in northeastern China. At one month old, all were in a stable condition, with some being hand-reared due to the size of the litter, while the others nursed naturally. All the babies were born during Amur tigers’ natural peak breeding season, when wild cubs have the best chance of survival.

See The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Celebrate these steps forward in tiger conservation by searching ‘family theatre near me’ and booking your tickets to The Tiger Who Came to Tea today. You’ll find theatre tickets for children's shows at the Theatre Royal Haymarket website, as well as being able to book online here.