One of the biggest misconceptions is that white lions are albino, however, they are actually leucistic. White lions carry a recessive gene known as a colour inhibitor. This rare gene prevents any colour pigment from being deposited into the hair shaft.
Do lions have a tongue similar to a house cat?
Lions have a sand paper-like tongue, which is very rough and capable of stripping bones completely bare. This allows them to acquire the most nutrients possible!
Can a litter of cubs be both white and tawny?
A cub may only be born white if both parents carry the recessive gene. Therefore, there can be both white and tawny cubs born in the same litter. It's all in the genes!
