According to statistics, there are very few white lion individuals existing in the wild. They do not suffer from albinism, but rather from a special gene causing a lack of pigmentation and resulting in white fur. Upon closer inspection, some areas such as the nose, mouth, and paws of this animal still retain darker colors than the rest of the fur. Photo: Exclusive Getaways.

Admire the rare white lion cub, Image 2 Despite being rare, white lions still belong to the same species as regular lions (Panthera leo). Therefore, they are not listed as specially protected. White lions are hunted and only exist naturally in Timbavati. Photo: National Geographic.

Admire the rare white lion cub, Image 3 These mutated individuals are unique to the Timbavati region, South Africa, including part of Kruger National Park and the andBeyond Ngala private wildlife reserve. Timbavati means “the place where something sacred came down to Earth” in the language of the local Tsonga people. Photo: Catersnews.

Admire the rare white lion cub, Image 4 In essence, white lions were considered extinct in the wild, but they were reintroduced to the Timbavati area in 2004. Currently, three prides of lions with white fur genes are living here. Some have been relocated to the Pumba Game Reserve and the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in other parts of South Africa. Photo: Catersnews.

 

Admire the rare white lion cub, Image 5 This new tiny lion belongs to the Birmingham pride in the Ngala Game Reserve. Upon birth, it already possesses white fur and emerald eyes. Bernard Stiglingh, a guide at the andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge, said, “From what we’ve seen, this lion cub is very playful and courageous. It stands out not only because of its fur color but also because of its curiosity, playfulness, and larger size compared to its siblings.” Photo: Sean Messham.

 

Admire the rare white lion cub, Image 6 Unfortunately, estimates suggest that only about half of regular lion cubs survive to adulthood, and this rate is much lower for white lions. The yellow color of regular lions helps them blend into the environment, while white color makes them stand out, making them easy prey when young and struggling to find food as they grow older. Photo: Sean Messham.

Admire the rare white lion cub, Image 7 Rangers at the andBeyond Ngala Game Reserve and campsite regularly monitor the white lion pride. Visitors staying here also have the opportunity to witness this special lion species up close. Photo: Eric Rosen.

Admire the rare white lion cub, Image 8 According to Stiglingh, a guide here, seeing these lions requires real patience. They are most active in the early morning and evening. You may witness beautiful moments when lion mothers play and interact with their cubs. However, tourists must adhere to strict rules to ensure no disturbance to the lion pride. Photo: Sean Messham.

 

Admire the rare white lion cub, Image 9 Stiglingh has seen this white lion cub many times, but each time is truly special. He shared, “I may have seen them a thousand times, but the joy remains intact. It’s a wonderful, almost unbelievable privilege to regularly encounter them. This is an experience few rangers, let alone ordinary people, get to have. I hope this white lion cub can survive and become the king of the plains.”