The White Lion (Panthera leo krugeri)
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For centuries, rumors about the white lion spread from South Africa all over the world. It was not until 1975 that actual sightings confirmed this mysterious cat’s existence. Two white lion cubs were brought at the Timbavati Game Reserve next to Kruger National Park. Even if they are provided with the best living conditions, the mortality rate for white lions is quite high. They have difficulties in catching their prey and they are extremely vulnerable to hyena attacks. The white color is explained by a rare color mutation, namely a recessive gene known as chinchilla or color inhibitor, perpetuated by many zoos in the world. The population of the white lion is not exactly known but the most recent count was in showing that 300 were alive at the time.