2 New White Lion Cubs Found In The Kruger National Park
We are bursting at the seams with excitement to share this ‘ROARING’ news with all of you – delivered to us straight from the Kruger National Park!
…Not one but TWO adorable WHITE LION CUBS were recently sighted – both within the last 3 weeks – in the renowned Kruger National Park! THAT’S RIGHT! News broke when Motswari guides found 2 adult lionesses with a new white lion cub in Umbabat Private Nature Reserve just 1 week ago! Given the location, the cub is most likely sired by the Birmingham Pride.
To add to the growing excitement, the 2nd new white lion cub was spotted in the Kruger National Park near Orpen Gate. The latest sighting of this newest white lion cub is believed to be descended from the Skorro Pride, which carries the unique white lion genes. This lineage traces back to the Matimba males, who originally came from the Birmingham Pride & dominated the Skorro Pride, siring lions here many years ago.
As you can imagine, the recent sightings & births of white lion cubs in Africa, particularly in the Timbavati & Kruger Park regions, are sparking TONS of excitement as these rare lions continue to reoccur in their natural habitat – ultimately confirming that white lions are indeed a natural occurrence & that the recessive gene is still prominent in the wild population of the Kruger National Park – This is GREAT news!
There is magic to seeing a white lion in the wild. It’s a privilege that only a few people will ever get to experience.
This is because there are ONLY seven white lions alive in the wild today. Yes, you read that correctly – JUST SEVEN!
So, what’s the story behind these stunning creatures & why are they so special?
Meet The 7 White Lions of Africa
White Lions In Africa: The Myth And Majesty
As of now – with the exciting addition of the TWO new white lion cubs – there are a total of seven known wild-born white lions living in the wild today. These lions are protected by various wildlife conservation projects to maintain their dwindling numbers.
Among the ‘Magnificent 7’, a few of the most famous include:
- The Pride of the Timbavati: This group of white lions is what started it all! Known as the “Timbavati pride,” these lions have been a symbol of rarity for decades. Though most are found in protected reserves today, these lions’ legendary status in the world of wildlife preservation is undeniable.
- Casper: The mighty 10+ year old male white lion famously known as Casper – AKA: THE WHITE LION OF KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – became somewhat of an overnight sensation & ‘celebrity’ in his own right (not to mention stole the hearts of head-over-heels wildlife lovers all across the world) over the course of Covid-19 thanks to programs like WildEarth & the support from avid local South African wildlife enthusiasts & global wildlife lovers that travelled to & visited the Kruger National Park once all lockdowns were lifted & travel was FINALLY allowed.
Photo by Travel Expert Lukas van Lishout of Casper
Photo by Travel Expert Lukas van Lishout of Casper
- The reintroduced pride: Conservation efforts have been underway to reintroduce white lions into the wild. One of the most famous prides is the Lion Hearted Pride, which resides in the Greater Timbavati area. They’ve been released back into their natural habitat to ensure the survival of this magnificent gene.
In addition to the Timbavati pride, other wildlife reserves, like the Karongwe Game Reserve & Thaba Tholo, have been home to white lions as part of ongoing conservation programs. However, it’s important to note that these lions aren’t kept in captivity for long – but instead they’re given the chance to roam freely in safe environments where they can once again thrive!
