The white lion is a rare colour
mutation of the Kruger subspecies of lion (Panthera leo krugeri) found in some
wildlife reserves in South Africa and in zoos around the world. White lions are
not a separate subspecies and are thought to be indigenous to the Timbavati
region of South Africa for centuries, although the earliest recorded sighting in
this region was in 1938.
Regarded as divine by locals,
white lions first came to public attention in the 1970s in Chris McBride's book
The White Lions of Timbavati.
Up until 2009, when the first
pride of white lions was reintroduced to the wild, it was widely believed that
the white lion could not survive in the wild. It is for this reason that a large
part of the population of white lions now reside in zoos.
White lions are not albinos.
Their white colour is caused by a recessive trait derived from a
less-severe mutation in the same gene that causes albinism, distinct from the
gene responsible for white tigers. They vary from blonde to near-white. This
coloration does not appear to disadvantage their survival. The white lions of
the Global White Lion Protection Trust (GWLPT) have been reintroduced into their
natural habitat and have been hunting and breeding successfully without human
intervention for a significant amount of time.
White lions in South Africa are currently being bred almost exclusively
for hunting, but Linda Tucker (the founder of GWLP and author of The Mystery of
the White Lions) and her team are trying to change the South African hunting
laws.
With many thanks to You Tube
Golden Tabby Tigers
Lion Protector, Shivani Bhalla Helps Big Cats and People Coexist
Asher Jay: Art Of The Matter
India’s Wild Tiger Population Has Increased 30% Since 2010
A Tiger Sets Out For Independence
World Lion Day: Some Stunning Images Of The King Of The Jungle
Two Snow Leopard Cubs Born at Brookfield Zoo
Lions Gain New Endangered Species Protections
Leopard Hunting Banned in South Africa For Remainder of 2016
A Hidden Population Of Up To 200 Lions Has Been Found In Ethiopia
Africa’s Big Five Animals
Tigers Are Coming Back!
Tracking Sumatran Tigers
Why Big Cat Rescue Doesn’t Have Cheetah or Jaguars
The Best Big Cat Videos Come From The Wild
Pallas's Cats To Get Their Own 'Palace' In Siberian Mountains
Amur Tiger Release
Over 100 Tigers Killed And Trafficked Each Year
Last Wild Ocelots In Texas Get New Paths To Safety
Leopard Hunting Banned in South Africa For Remainder of 2016
A Hidden Population Of Up To 200 Lions Has Been Found In Ethiopia
Africa’s Big Five Animals
Tigers Are Coming Back!
Tracking Sumatran Tigers
Russia Builds A Huge Tunnel To Save A Near-Extinct Group of Leopards
30 Tiger Zoos In Thailand Face Nationwide Checks
The Truth Behind The Tiger Temple
The Black Panther
Russia's 'Extinct' Persian Leopards Reintroduced To Black Sea Mountains30 Tiger Zoos In Thailand Face Nationwide Checks
The Truth Behind The Tiger Temple
The Black Panther
Why Big Cat Rescue Doesn’t Have Cheetah or Jaguars
The Best Big Cat Videos Come From The Wild
Pallas's Cats To Get Their Own 'Palace' In Siberian Mountains
Amur Tiger Release
Over 100 Tigers Killed And Trafficked Each Year
Last Wild Ocelots In Texas Get New Paths To Safety