White lions, (like white tigers), are rare genetic mutations, not a different species. All white lions are derived from a single population discovered near Kruger National Park in South Africa in the 1970's, according to Pieter Kat of Lionaid. New cubs must be inbred further. For every healthy, valuable cub, it is thought that many are born with ailments like shortened tendons, club foot, kidney problems, malformed backbones, contorted necks, and problems with eyesight.
Yet, Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire is breeding white lions because they are a rare, and huge tourist attraction. They charging visitors up to £250 (about $380 US dollars) to pet the cub. This is considered unethical breeding when facilities inbreed these lions for profit rather that the true conservation of the animal
Tell Paradise Wildlife Park to protect the genetic diversity of these lions so they may be returned to the wild one day. Inbreeding compromises their conservation and shrinks their gene pool making their survival in the wild impossible.
SOURCE:http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Environment/article1242000.ece
White lions, (like white tigers), are rare genetic mutations, not a different species. All white lions are derived from a single population discovered near Kruger National Park in South Africa in the 1970's, according to Pieter Kat of Lionaid. New cubs must be inbred further. For every healthy, valuable cub, it is thought that many are born with ailments like shortened tendons, club foot, kidney problems, malformed backbones, contorted necks, and problems with eyesight.
Yet, Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire is breeding white lions because they are a rare, and huge tourist attraction. They charging visitors up to £250 (about $380 US dollars) to pet the cub. This is considered unethical breeding when facilities inbreed these lions for profit rather that the true conservation of the animal
Tell Paradise Wildlife Park to protect the genetic diversity of these lions so they may be returned to the wild one day. Inbreeding compromises their conservation and shrinks their gene pool making their survival in the wild impossible.
SOURCE:http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Environment/article1242000.ece
