White Lion
White Lions are rare in the wild however small numbers are found in some wildlife reserves in South Africa. White lions are not a separate subspecies and they are not albinos. They have a condition known as leucism (pronounced ‘lukism’), caused by a recessive gene. It is simply a reduction in the colour pigments of the skin. Strictly speaking we should not we call them white lions, but more correctly ‘blonde’ lions.
The National Zoo and Aquarium is home to 2 White Lions; Brother and sister, Jake & Mischka.
| CONSERVATION STATUS | Vulnerable |
|---|---|
| SIZE | 150–240kg (male), 122–182kg (female) |
| LIFE SPAN | 10–15 years in the wild, up to 25 in captivity |
| GESTATION | 100–120 days |