The majestic white lion, a scarce animal, has a genetic mutation that causes it to be covered in white fur.
Their unusual white coat comes from a recessive gene called leucism, similar to albinism but not as extreme. A leucistic animal has lost some pigmentations, but its eyes and lips are still the same color.
There are currently fewer than 13 white lions living wild and fewer than 300 living captive.
Four of these adorable little balls of fur all came out at the same time. What are the odds!
Unsurprisingly, when the pictures were shared on social media sites, the internet fell in LOVE.
All four of these extremely rare and adorable babies were born female. The cubs were seen eating and playing together in the photos on social networks.
The cubs are healthy and growing well.
The Global White Lion Protection Trust doesn’t currently recognize white lions as a separate species. Because of that, even though they are so rare, they aren’t considered to be endangered species; therefore, they aren’t protected by law.
“The white lions are listed as Panthera Leo, classified as vulnerable, meaning they may become threatened in the future unless trade controls are closely managed.”
“We need to research the white lion gene, understand it, and protect it, as a matter of urgent importance.”
