National Zoo & Aquarium

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.

Meet an African Lion on our Lion Encounter

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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

Meet an African Lion on our Lion Encounter

Learn more
Scrivener Dam, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2611

We are open every day except Christmas day 9.30am until 5.00pm

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