The Caresse de Tigre sanctuary in France has joyously announced the birth of two rare white lion cubs, Simba and Nala.
Their arrival represents a significant milestone, as they are the offspring of adult lions rescued from a circus, thus escaping a life of suffering.
White lions are classified as vulnerable and face serious threats to their survival. Currently, approximately 300 white lions exist, with only 13 found in the wild.
However, obtaining accurate numbers is challenging because illegal breeders and underground circuses hold many captive.
Interestingly, despite their striking white appearance, the cubs have a light brown hue due to a genetic mutation similar to that which causes blue eyes in humans.
The sanctuary’s owners celebrated the birth of Simba and Nala as a victory for conservation. “The owners of the two lions wanted to sell them to a circus,” explained Klimonde Brigitte, owner of Caresse de Tigre. “We had to raise five thousand euros to secure their freedom, and now they are under our care.”
As they grow, these cubs display the playful nature typical of their species, bringing joy to those around them.
Sanctuaries like Caresse de Tigre aim to provide a haven for abused and endangered animals, allowing them to live naturally.
Spanning 300 hectares, the sanctuary offers ample space for Simba and Nala to explore, allowing them to thrive as their species battles for survival.
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