White Lions – Panthera Leo Krugeri – The same subspecies as the South-East African Lion, otherwise known as the tawny lion, carries a recessive gene which is responsible for the lack of pigment. They often experience health issues related to their coat colour. The lack of pigmentation can lead to a higher susceptibility to skin conditions and sunburn. Their white fur offers less protection against UV radiation compared to the tawny coloration of regular Lions. This can cause various dermatological problems, making them more vulnerable to sun-related ailments.

White lions are not albinos, but they are Leucistic. The difference between Leucism and Albinism is that with Leucism you have a reduction in multiple types of pigments not just Melanin. Some people refer to them as “True Blondes”.

In Nature White Lions were first observed in the Timbavati region of South East Africa close to the Kruger park. They have the most striking pale bluish eyes.

White lions have a unique trait in their reproductive behaviour: they often have lower fertility rates compared to Tawny Lions. This reduced fertility is believed to be linked to their genetic mutation, which may affect reproductive health. Additionally, White Lion cubs are less likely to survive in the wild due to their higher visibility and the associated challenges in hunting and avoiding predators.

Sadly, White Lions are a rare find and prized for their features they were removed and put into zoos and circuses around the globe. They were put into caged Breeding and hunting facilities.

No white Lions were found in their original territory after 1994. Slowly but surely with the re-introduction efforts of the White Lion Trust, the White Lion once again roams the Savanna lands of the Timbavati.