Animale
White lion
Cream-coloured fur, pigment retained in the eyes and the social life of a lion pride.
Lingua dei contenuti
The pale coat of a white lion results from leucism, a reduction in pigmentation. Pigment remains in the eyes and skin, distinguishing this trait from albinism. White colouring does not define a separate species: it is a colour form of the lion. The fur may be creamy, and an adult male's mane can be very pale. Males are larger and more heavily built than females.
White lions occur naturally in the Timbavati region of South Africa. Pale individuals are rare in the wild. Their way of life remains that of lions: they form prides containing females, young and a small number of adult males. This social organisation stands out among the often solitary big cats.
Lions are carnivores; their natural diet includes antelopes, zebras and buffalo. Much of their activity takes place at dusk and during the night, while daytime is often spent resting. Pale fur does not change their predatory teeth or dietary needs. This stop explores both coat colour and the social life that distinguishes lions from tigers.
Per bambini
A white lion has very pale fur, sometimes the colour of cream. Its eyes and skin still contain pigment. This trait is called leucism. It does not create a new species: a white lion is still a lion. A male develops a mane and is usually larger than a female.
Lions live in prides containing females, young and a few adult males. That makes them different from tigers, which usually live alone. In the wild, lions eat meat and hunt animals including antelopes and zebras. They are most active in the evening and at night. A lion resting during the day is following a habit shared by its wild relatives. Rare white lions occur naturally around Timbavati in South Africa.
Domanda 1 di 2
What explains a white lion’s pale coat?
- Posizione
- White lion enclosure behind the cinema, stop 19 on the map.