The White Lion

Normally, lions' coat is brown on color. The white lion's coat is cream in color. This is not a distinctive subspecies but a lion with a genetic condition that causes the skin to be paler than usual. A recessive gene is the cause of the discoloration. The lions are a subspecies of the Panthera Leo Krugeri. The condition is similar to melanism but it is not albinism as the lions have normal pigmentation in the eyes and skin. The white lions can be found in South Africa in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve and in Kruger National Park. They are more commonly found in captivity where breeders selectively raise them up as trophies.

The white lions were not confirmed to exist until late in the twentieth century. For centuries before, its existence was as legendary tales told by families in the South Africa. It was almost holistic symbolizing the goodness in all creatures.

In the early 1900s first sightings of the white lions were reported and continued consistently though no proves were yet recorded. In 1975 a litter of white lion cubs was found in Timbavati Game Reserve in South Africa. This raised speculations of the existence of the lions. The lions live an ordinary life just like the other normal colored lions. Sometimes, you can find them mixing with the other lions but they are mostly nomads and are not assigned to any particular pride. The recessive gene can be passed on to the offspring. Male white lions sometimes do not spot a mane.


Dickson is the Chief Tour Guide and one of the Directors of Adventure Africa Expedition, he has traveled in many countries in Africa where he built the spirit of adventure and discovered nature hidden wonders in especially tailored walking trails like in Kisoro in Rwanda and Bwindi in Uganda both for Gorilla tracking. For more information on his work please visit http://advenafrica.com/index.htm