• About BCR
  • News
  • News @ BCR
  • Rescues
  • Issues
  • Cat Laws
Friday, May 27, 2022
  • Login
  • Register
Big Cat Rescue
  • Get Involved
  • Cub Facts
  • The Sanctuary Cats
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Donate
No Result
View All Result
Big Cat Rescue
  • Get Involved
  • Cub Facts
  • The Sanctuary Cats
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Donate
No Result
View All Result
Big Cat Rescue
No Result
View All Result
Home News World

New addition to the pride of white lions being saved from extinction in a S. African safari park

Carole by BCR
November 14, 2010
in News World
0 0
0
0
SHARES
121
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare via Email

READ THE TRUTH BEHIND THIS DECEPTION AT:

http://bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/white_tigers_fraud.htm

By Daily Mail Reporter

It is one of the most endangered species in the world but one unique conservation project is taking giant strides in saving the mysterious white lion.

Based just outside Johannesburg the Ukutula Lion Park and Lodge is home to 15 white lions which are being used for invaluable research into the survival of the phenomenal breed.

Pictured here playing with project leader Willie Jacobs, three-month-old Bianca is the latest addition to the growing white lion pride at the park.

New arrival: Young white lion Bianca with Willie Jacobs, owner of the Ukutula Lion Park and Lodge which is pioneering research into saving the breed

New arrival: Young white lion Bianca with Willie Jacobs, owner of the Ukutula Lion Park and Lodge which is pioneering research into saving the breed

Her stunning fur is the result of a mysterious gene that produces a pure white coat, which occur only when two brown lion carriers of the white lion gene mate and produce offspring.

The 260-hectare park, where Bianca was born, is extraordinary in that it hosts a pride of brown lions capable of producing white lion cubs.

Of the 86 lions living at the park, Willie currently looks after 15 white lions, which are being used for invaluable research into the survival of the phenomenal breed.

Willie bought the site, which was used for breeding lions, five years ago and was quickly astounded by the secrets revealed by the resident pride.

‘The pride male Felix was bought by the previous owner without any knowledge that he carried the white lion gene,’ said Willie, 52.

‘Very soon after we took over white cubs started appearing. We were truly blessed by this fantastic phenomenon appearing on our very doorstep.’

Fighting extinction: Three-month-old Bianca (left) and five-month-old Michelle (right), at the Ukutula Lion Park & Lodge

Fighting extinction: Three-month-old Bianca (left) and five-month-old Michelle (right), at the Ukutula Lion Park & Lodge

Willie explained that some white lion farmers inter-breed siblings with the white lion gene or mate parents with their own offspring who also carry the genetic trait.

‘White lions being as rare as they are are a huge attraction to people as well as facilities that host visitors,’ he said.

‘They enjoy having the white lions to show their guests and it’s really an attraction for tourism as well.

‘And because white lions are rare they fetch higher prices and some have been unscrupulous in their breeding practices.

‘This is what we refer to as unethical breeding; we believe that the white lion gene pool is becoming limited because of this.

‘Inbreeding causes weaknesses in the animals. For instance we have observed skeletal deformities, problems with eyesight, there have been reports of kidney problems.

‘There are many problems associated with inbreeding these animals.’

To combat this practice Willie has forged links with the University of Pretoria where genetic samples are provided to a team of scientists working to isolate the gene responsible for the white fur and aid their conservation in the wild.

‘We feel these animals need protection and even the best of motives could harm these animals in the long-run.

‘Our research aims to assist people in gaining knowledge about this phenomenon and to preserve the white lion so future generations can enjoy these beautiful animals.‘

Worth saving: Willie Jacobs proves the friendliness of the white lions at the Ukutula Lion Park and Lodge

Worth saving: Willie Jacobs proves the friendliness of the white lions at the Ukutula Lion Park and Lodge

Willie added: ‘You are often able to see lions in parks or reserves but a sudden emotional bond is established by touching a little lion cub.

‘Just being able to make eye contact with these beautiful animals for a split second is something very, very special.

‘It ensures that people keep valuing these animals.’

Willie hopes that by isolating the gene that causes the rare white coat the health of the surviving white lions’ gene pool can be maintained as a pedigree, as is found in other species of animals living in captivity.

‘Our ultimate aim is to release these healthy and strong lions back into the wild,’ he explained. ‘We have a program where our lions’ natural instinct towards the bush and the wild is stimulated.

‘As soon as the research comes to a conclusion we will be negotiating with individuals and organisations to have our lions released back into the wild.’

White lions were only first officially recorded in 1938 in the South African region of Timbavati where they originate.

Inquisitive: Bella the White Lion at the Ukutula Lion Park and Lodge

Inquisitive: Bella the White Lion at the Ukutula Lion Park and Lodge`

Since this time they have been targeted by hunters for their rare fur, and less than 100 individuals are thought to survive worldwide.

‘We will always welcome any organisation that will support the project through our research team as it’s all for the good of the species,’ said Willie.

‘We really look forward to the public becoming involved.’

bigcatrescue.org




Tags: News World
Previous Post

BIG CATS MAKE BAD “PETS” !!

Next Post

Nepal may meet tiger goal

Carole

BCR

Big Cat Rescue is Caring for Cats and Ending the Trade

Related Posts

News World

Enrichment Program @ BIG CAT RESCUE!

May 7, 2022
73
Zanesville Massacre 18 tigers 17 lions 3 cougars gunned down
News World

Zanesville Massacre 18 tigers 17 lions 3 cougars gunned down

October 20, 2021
9k
Vanessa Hudgens Shame
Cat Laws

Cub Petting Shame

September 12, 2021
5.9k
Snow Leopard
News @ BCR

Save Snow Leopards

April 17, 2021
4.6k
Be Safe Out There!
How To Start A Sanctuary

Rules

March 31, 2020
535
Next Post

Nepal may meet tiger goal

Leave a Reply

  • Default Comments (0)
  • Facebook Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Help Feed Big Cats

One of the best ways to help is through general donations that can be used however it is most needed at the time.To make a general donation just click the Donate Now button below.  This is the best way to give as it has the lowest credit card processing fees and is immediate help for the cats.

Give to Big Cat Rescue

If you prefer to donate via Pay Pal, please use this link: Pay Pal

Recent Articles

  • Tiger Teeth May 26, 2022
  • Orpheus May 26, 2022
  • Wild Bobcats Get Tracking Collars May 26, 2022

More From BigCatRescue

  • Big Cat Rescue is Live 24/7 on Webcams
  • Rescue Missions
  • About Big Cat Rescue
  • Big Cat Rescue News
  • Reviews
  • Our Recent Work
  • Sanctuary FAQs
  • Big Cat TV

Sanctuary Cats

  • Jaguars
  • Leopards
  • Lions
  • Tigers
  • Bobcats
  • Canada Lynx
  • Cougars
  • Ocelots
  • Savannah Cats
  • Servals

Ways to Help

  • Newsletter SignUp
  • Donate Now
  • Shop
  • Wish List
  • Volunteer
  • Contact Us
  • View AMP Version

Save Big Cats

Donate to Big Cat Rescue
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • About BCR
  • News @ BCR
  • Videos
  • Big Cat Facts
  • Cub Facts
  • Sanctuary Cats
  • Shop and Save Cats
  • Volunteer
  • Donate
  • Abuse Issues
  • Contact Us

© Copyright 2021 BigCatRescue.Org. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Add New Playlist