White Lions Return to the Timbavati

1/1/2010

In October 1975, two white lion cubs were born into a pride of lions in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve bordering the Kruger National Park in South Africa. The lions were discovered by researcher Chris McBride who went on to write a book in 1977 about the famous lions, "White Lions of The Timbavati." Several white lions were subsequently born in the Timbavati and immediate vicinity and the pride's territory covered most of what is today Kings Camp's traversing area. The last white lion was seen in 1992 and is believed to have been killed by another lion or lions.

White lions are not albino animals but are the result of a recessive gene carried by the normal tawny parent lions that produce this rare occurrence. Why this genetic mutation is only prevalent in the Timbavati area and nowhere else remains a mystery.

Guides were understandably thrilled when two white lion cubs were sighted on December 2nd, 2009. They are roughly 10 months of age. While they remain vulnerable (only 30% of cubs survive the first 12 months of life) they appear in good condition and their chances of survival increase daily.

We've recently received sightings reports from a handful of clients who have been fortunate enough to see these rare animals, and have included some photos in the Readers' Submissions section.