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white lion cubs

Rare white lion cubs at Smarden , kent uk

They are not a separate subspecies, or Albino.They are Luecistic. A slight gene variation resulted in the local lions in the Timbavati area of South Africa having very little pigmentation to their fur. In other respects they are normal 'tawny' Southeast african lions (Panthera Leo Krugeri) Unlike Albinos they have normal eye colouring.Leutictic animals can often live normal lives,apart from possible disadvantage from lack of camouflage. The relatively small wild population declined and most white lions are now in captivity. Efforts are being made to reintroduce them to the wild.

 

Photo taken at the Wild cat Sanctuary, Smarden Kent.UK.

This is not listed in Wikepedias list of captive white Lions, possibly because it is not normally open to the public, apart from an open day once a year.

 

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Uploaded on July 2, 2014
Taken on July 2, 2014