WHITE LION  
Panthera leo

W hite Lions are extremely rare, and are not albino lions. Their unique coloring, which can be from nearly completely white, to blonde, to even red, is the result of a recessive color inhibitor gene, also known as the chinchilla gene. This is a similar gene to that which causes White tigers, and can be selected for purposefully by breeders in captive breeding programs. Confirmation of the actual existence of the White lion only came in the late 20th century. For hundreds of years prior, the White lion had been a figment of legend circulating through South Africa, with its white fur said to represent the goodness in all creatures. Unfortunately, in the wild the White lion often does not survive very long, as its color makes it very obvious to predators. Sometimes, White lion cubs will be abandoned or even killed by members of their own pride for this reason.

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