There is a recessive gene in white lions that gives them their unusual colour. This gene also produces white tigers.
White Lions have been been widely hunted and today there are a few dozens left wild in the world.
Male white lions can also have problems attracting a mate as the darkness of the mane of a lion is what is the most attractive to females.
The white lion's coat is not good news for a hunter, as it is highly visible and gives them away to their prey.
Many times, white lion cubs (and tiger cubs) are killed by members of their own pride as they give them away to predictors i.e. man.
The scientific name for the white lion is Panthera leo krugeri.
In the wild lions can live for 15-18 years, and in captivity they can reach 30 years old.
It is the lioness that does most of the hunting, often working together in a pack.
A lion cub starts to learn to hunt when it's about four months old, but won't make its first kill until it is two years old.
Young males leave the pride when the reach maturity and have to join another group.
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