Rare White Lion Cubs Born At Skopje Zoo Are A Surprise To Keepers

White lions are also known as the Southeastern Lion. Some tribes in Southern Africa revered them as sacred beings because of their majestic appearance. However, they have been hunted to extinction in the wild and recently reintroduced in protected areas by the Global White Lion Protection Trust.

Source: gorananastasovskiphoto

Source: gorananastasovskiphoto

The lion quintuplets are extremely rare for the endangered species. Therefore, when the rare white lion cubs were born on March 7, everyone couldn't hide their happiness. Their arrival was a surprise to employees at Skopje zoo. The employees say that this is one of the most beautiful things that happened in the Skopje Zoo. They have a "huge responsibility" in making sure the lions are safe and receive the best care possible.

Source: gorananastasovskiphoto

Source: gorananastasovskiphoto

White lions are not albinos. They lack the tawny coloration due to a genetic gene mutation called leucism, a rarity where a recessive mutation in the gene results in reduced pigmentation and makes their coat from golden to near white in color.

Source: gorananastasovskiphoto

Source: gorananastasovskiphoto

White lions were first discovered by Europeans in South Africa's Timbavati region in 1938, but until the 1970s, they were officially documented. There are now 13 white lions residing in their natural habitats in South Africa and 300 white lions in captivity.

Source: gorananastasovskiphoto

Source: gorananastasovskiphoto

Source: gorananastasovskiphoto

Source: gorananastasovskiphoto

Source: gorananastasovskiphoto