Meet the Big Cats of Howletts:
A Wild Family Adventure This Summer
From playful Sumatran tiger cubs to majestic African lions and elusive leopards, discover some of the world's most incredible predators during Big Cat Week at Howletts Wild Animal Park.
There's something truly magical about coming face-to-face with a big cat.
Whether it's the piercing stare of a tiger, the powerful roar of a lion or the stealthy grace of a leopard, these magnificent animals have fascinated people for centuries.
Join us for
Big Cat Week
This summer, as part of Summer Roar 2026, we're celebrating our incredible collection of big cats during Big Cat Week (27th July - 2nd August), with International Tiger Day taking place on 29th July.
If you're looking for unforgettable things to do with kids in Kent, there's never been a better time to visit Howletts Wild Animal Park. Alongside our famous elephant herd, playful capybaras and world-renowned gorillas, you'll discover some of the world's most spectacular big cats, including our adorable Sumatran tiger cubs, who are already stealing hearts.
Find out moreRead on to discover amazing big cat facts, meet the incredible cats that call Howletts home and find out why they're among the most important animals on our planet...
What Makes a Big Cat a Big Cat?
Not every wild cat is considered a "big cat."
The term usually refers to the largest members of the cat family, known for their strength, agility and impressive hunting abilities. These incredible predators play a vital role in keeping ecosystems healthy by helping to maintain balanced populations of other animals.
At Howletts, visitors can encounter several extraordinary species, each with its own unique personality and fascinating adaptations.
From the powerful roar of an African lion to the quiet confidence of a Northern Chinese leopard, every visit offers something different to discover.
Amazing Big Cat Facts Kids Will Love
Big cats are full of surprises! Here are some incredible facts to share with your young explorers before your visit.
1.
Tigers are the world's largest cats
The mighty tiger is the biggest member of the cat family. Some males can weigh over 300 kilograms, that's about the same as four grown-up humans!
2.
Every tiger has unique stripes
Just like our fingerprints, no two tigers have exactly the same stripe pattern. Even their skin underneath is striped.
3.
Leopards are expert climbers
Northern Chinese leopards are incredibly strong and agile. In the wild, they often carry prey high into trees to keep it safe from other predators.
4.
Not all big cats roar
While lions are famous for their mighty roar, many big cats communicate using growls, chuffs, purrs, scent markings and body language.
5.
Cubs learn everything from Mum
Young big cats spend months, and sometimes years, learning essential survival skills by watching and copying their mothers. Photo: ©SWNS@TKSnapper
6.
Many big cats need our help
Sadly, habitat loss, poaching and conflict with humans have caused many big cat populations to decline in the wild. Conservation programmes are helping to protect these remarkable species for future generations.
Meet the Big Cats at Howletts
Every big cat has its own story, and every visit offers the chance to observe different behaviours as they explore, play and relax.
Sumatran tigers
Our beautiful Sumatran tigers are among the rarest big cats on Earth, with fewer than 400 thought to remain in the wild. Smaller than many other tiger species, they are perfectly adapted to the dense rainforests of Indonesia, where their darker coats and closely spaced stripes help them disappear among the trees. Watch carefully and you may see them stretching, scent-marking their territory, cooling off in the water or quietly observing the world around them.
African lions
Known as the "King of the Jungle" (despite living mainly on open grasslands), African lions are among the world's most recognisable animals. Unlike most other big cats, lions live together in close-knit family groups called prides, where they spend much of the day relaxing before becoming more active in the cooler hours. Listen carefully... if you're lucky enough to hear a lion roar, you'll never forget it!
Northern Chinese leopard
Graceful, powerful and wonderfully elusive, Northern Chinese leopards are true masters of stealth. Their beautifully patterned coats provide perfect camouflage, making them difficult to spot in the wild. At Howletts, look for Baiya climbing, exploring elevated platforms or quietly surveying his surroundings from high vantage points.
Meet Our Adorable Tiger Cubs
One of this summer's biggest stars has four paws and an enormous sense of adventure.
Our Sumatran tiger cubs, Bila, Kuala and Rokan, have quickly become some of the most popular animals at Howletts, delighting visitors with their playful personalities and endless curiosity.
They spend their days chasing one another, practising their climbing skills, pouncing on leaves, investigating new scents and learning important behaviours from their mum, Tipah.
Every visit offers something new because the cubs are growing and changing every single day.
Seeing young endangered animals like these is a truly special experience, and one families will remember for years to come.
Photos: ©SWNS@TKSnapper
Why Are Big Cats So Important?
Big cats are known as apex predators, meaning they sit at the very top of the food chain.
By naturally controlling populations of other animals, they help keep entire ecosystems healthy and balanced.
Without big cats, habitats can quickly become less healthy for countless other species.
Protecting these magnificent animals helps protect whole landscapes.
Helping Big Cats Thrive
Many big cat species face serious challenges in the wild, including:
Fortunately, there's also plenty of hope. Modern conservation programmes, breeding initiatives and habitat protection projects are helping endangered big cats recover, while organisations around the world continue working together to secure their future. By visiting Howletts, families are helping support vital conservation work for endangered species both here and around the world.
Make Big Cat Week Part of Your Summer Adventure
From 27th July to 2nd August, celebrate some of nature's most spectacular predators during Big Cat Week at Howletts Wild Animal Park.
Meet our magnificent tigers, playful cubs, majestic lions and elusive leopards, then continue your adventure with elephants, gorillas, capybaras and so much more.
Plan your Summer Roar adventure today and experience six weeks of wild family fun at Howletts Wild Animal Park. We can't wait to welcome you.
