White Lions

White Lions - Page 1&2: The New Discovery | 3: Conservation Status | 4: White Lion Breeding |
5: A Description Of The White Lion

A description of the white lion:

The Latin name of Panthera leo krugeri is not limited to white lions. It applies to all South African lion subspecies; the prides of which are mostly located in Kruger National Park and nearby game reserves.

White lions are not albino as they have pigmentation which shows particularly in eye, paw pad and lip colour. The correct term for their condition is leucism, a state where there is near-normal eye colour, but loss of pigment in the skin and fur.

The cause of the unusual colouration is the same as for the white tiger. A recessive gene which results in the white appearance is found in a very small number of captive lions.

White specimens usually have a yellowish-brown or golden eye colour which is very similar to their tawny cousins, though some have bluish colouring like the white tiger.

Unlike normal lion cubs which spotted at birth, the pelage of white cubs is almost pure white. Over the months the coat gradually darkens to become  a cream or ivory colour. At last count, 32 white lions were recorded worldwide.

The image on this page shows one of Cincinnati's male white lions. As can be seen from the picture, a large area of mane is missing entirely on the right side; this is evident in both of the Cincinnati cats. The cause is unknown.



 

 

Male

Female

Height to the shoulder

120 centimetres

110 centimetres

Weight

189 - 260 kilograms

126 kilograms

Maximum Speed

48 - 59 kph

 

White Lions - Page 1&2: The New Discovery | 3: Conservation Status | 4: White Lion Breeding |
5: A Description Of The White Lion

History of the White Tiger | White Tigers | Albinos | Golden Tabbies | Black Tigers | Maltese (Blue) |
Red, Brown & Orange Tigers | White Lions

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Photography With Thanks To Denise McQuillen
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