Sumatran tigers are the smallest kind of tiger, but they can still be up to 8 feet long! Their fur is the darkest orange of any tiger, and their stripes are the closest together, making them the hardest to spot; this helps them blend in while hunting in their native jungle habitats on the island of Sumatra.
Sumatran tigers are generally solitary, other than females with cubs. Cubs stay with their mothers for about two years. Even though they are usually alone, tigers have a wide range of vocalizations, including powerful roars that can be heard up to 2 miles away, grunts, hisses, and friendly greetings called “chuffs,” which are usually between a mother and her cubs.
Sumatran tigers are a conservation success story! They are one of the keystone species we work to protect through our Asia Conservation Hub. There are only an estimated 400 to 600 remaining in native habitats, but thanks to conservation populations like the one at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, their numbers are increasing. You may be able to see Sumatran tigers while enjoying Tull Family Tiger Trail, or spot them passing through on a wildlife live camera!
