There are so many beautiful creatures living out there in the wild. I can't even begin to think about all of the lovely things I've never had the chance to see.
But in very rare instances, genetic mutations can occur in animals, which cause them to be very special and different from the majority of their species. However, the word "mutation" has a much more severe connotation than what it sometimes implies. Minor mutations cause unique traits in both humans and animals all the time.
Recessive genes and mutations come to the surface all around us in the world. Blue eyes come from recessive genes, as does red hair, and even straight hair. They don't happen quite as often as the dominant traits like brown eyes or darker hair.
In the animal kingdom, there is a recessive gene that is so rare, it's hardly ever seen out in the wild.
White lions are very rarely found in the wild, as the gene that causes it is recessive, much like very bright red hair in humans.
White lions are not albino, as some might assume. Albinism is a much more severe mutation that causes all pigment to be absent, including in the eyes. White lions simply have the recessive gene with just a slight mutation, and they still have color in their eyes and paw pads.
White lions are the same species as the African lion. They do not have their own subspecies. They are just unique versions of that species!
White lions were considered divine by South African locals for centuries.
While their divinity may be up in the air, they are definitely very, very adorable!
A zoo in the Ukraine just had a litter of these rare white lion cubs join their family. Look how lively and lovely they all are! Nature is such an amazing thing. You can see them in the video below.
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