White Lions, like White Tigers are becoming increasingly popular in Zoos. There is even talk of 'returning' them to the wild. This borders on the ridiculous because like the White Tiger they are a manufactured animal... something created by man. White Tiger Breeding Is Not Conservation and neither is breeding of the White Lion.

As a 'man made' animal they are not a conservation issue. There is no official studbook for White Lions and talks of re-introduction are as dangerous as they are pointless.

There is no question that the White Lion has and does occur in the Wild, but it is NOT a separate species! It is a leucistic form of the ordinary African Lion Panthera leo. White Lions are not albinos. Leucism occurs in many species and will often leave them disadvantaged. Nature, in its wisdom, has given animals a 'natural' colouring as an adaptation to its environment. Leucistic and Albinism in animals makes them stand out and as such are more visible to both predator and prey. Interference by man to increase such vulnerable animals is not just cruel it is very cruel.

Serious zoos should really give careful consideration before becoming involved with White Lions. If they are going to display them for educational purposes then fair enough but they must not breed from them. Perpetuation of something so unnatural is wrong at best and criminal at worst.

Organisations like the Global White Lion Protection Trust are serving to create a mystery around a myth. They talk of Conservation, 'extinct in the wild' and 'rarer than the snow leopard'. They seek for donations to increase the numbers of these genetically disadvantaged and pointless animals. Funds would be much more usefully used on genuine conservation projects rather than something invented and given a 'conservation' name.

The White Lion is NOT a rare, endangered species. The White Lion is a meal ticket for people who seek to try and use an animal that is just a little different for their own motives. It is a return to the circus freak show. Serious zoos (good zoos) should really address the facts and not jump on the mis-propaganda bandwagon.

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