 For centuries the myth of the White Lion has been etched in African folklore. Suddenly, in 1975, two white lion cubs were found amongst a litter of three and, in 1976, another was spotted in a neighboring pride and legend of the White Lions of Timbavati was born.
Timbavati is a 200 square mile area in the Lowveld of Northern Province, (formerly Transvaal) Africa’s bush country 350 miles N/E of Johannesburg. Although not open to the public it is now part of the vast Kruger National Park, which lies to its east. Apart from its lions Timbavati (which means ‘the river which never dries out’) is unique in other respects. Geologically it’s been untouched since time began, man has had little or no impact on its virgin bush.
The three cubs were named ‘Temba’, (Zulu for hope) the female “Tombi” (girl) and the other normal tawny coloured male ‘Vela’ (surprise). Although he looked like a normal lion “Vela’ was heterozygous, in other words he carried white genes. The 1976 discovery was called ‘Phuma’ (out of the ordinary). Sadly she didn’t survive, fueling fears amongst conservationists for the survival of Temba and Tombi. How could they survive and hunt when they were so conspicuous? This fear is as real today as it was then. In 2006 two white lion cubs were born to two tawny coloured lions in the private Umbabat Sanctuary within the Timbavati Reserve, but human interference reduced their life to just a few weeks.
White lions are not albino as they do have pigmentation, which is apparent in the eyes, paw pads and lip colour. This is a condition called leucism where there is loss of pigmentation in the skin and fur with almost normal eye colour. This occurs too in the white tiger. Why this condition occurs amongst lions only in the Timbavati area is unclear but even today Kruger Park rangers still spot the occasional solitary white lion. A rare event though because there are no more than 70 in the world today.
Africa’s lion population is in serious decline. It is estimated that it has fallen 90% in barely a decade to as few as 18,000. The causes are depressingly familiar, human encroachment into traditional habitats, hunting and disease caught by living in increasing proximity to domestic animals are exacting a heavy toll. It would seem that the King of Beasts, the epitome of everything African is no longer safe even in the last vestige of its former range - Africa.
The Legend Grows...
 West Midland Safari Park announce the birth of the first ever white lion cubs to be born in the UK.
Maryn, the cub's mother, gave birth to the four cubs on her fourth birthday, at the Park in Bewdley, Worcestershire, on 24th August 2006. The cubs, one male and three females have remained with their mother during the Park's winter shutdown, along with 24 hour surveillance involving specialist staff and CCTV. The cub's father, Mubuto, also 4 years old, remained in close proximity.
Nicknamed Casper (male) and females Kiara, Lara and Toto, the cubs ranged in weight from 2.1kg to 2.3kg when they were weighed 10 days after birth. Toto, which means young or small in Swahili, was the smallest. She was the most confident from birth and was regularly seen exploring, whilst the other three stayed close to their mother. All four cubs have a calm and friendly personality - just like mum Maryn - and make a magnificent sight.
 West Midland Safari Park introduced the UK's first ever pride of four rare White Lions in 2004, following the biggest single animal investment that the Park ever made and costing in the region of £1/4m. The animals, which arrived from Africa, were immediately transferred to accredited rabies quarantine quarters at the Park where they remained for six months. To experience the birth of four cubs, following their arrival, is a dream come true for the Park and its dedicated team of Keepers.
White lions are not albino; they are a rare mutation of lion only to be found in a 200 square mile area called Timbavati, in the Lowveld of Northern Province - South Africa's bush country. With no more than 130 left in the world today, for centuries the myth of the White Lion has been etched in African folklore. Legend has it, that once every hundred years, magical White Lions will be born bringing joy to all that witness them. Visitors to West Midland Safari Park will be amongst the first to witness the legend.
West Midland Safari Park now has eight White Lions in their collection - including the four cubs - and they can be seen daily in KINGDOM OF THE WHITE LIONS, which forms part of the four mile, all weather drive through Safari.
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