Rare breed white lions born at the Tbilisi Zoo

Cleopatra the white lion at the Tbilisi Zoo gave birth to four white lion cubs yesterday.

They are separated from their mother for some time due to cold winter weather. Also, Tbilisi Zoo administration says that the newcomer mom could not take care of baby lions.

"Our white baby lions are placed in a special warm room and under the constant supervision of our staff. We are very glad for them and proud of the birth of white lions in Georgia. We hope they all will grow healthy, the zoo administration stated today.

The white lion is a very rare animal and are mostly common in Kruger National Park and protected areas of Timbavati Game Reserve in South Africa.White lions are not albinos. Their white color is caused by a recessive trait derived from a less-severe mutation in the same gene that causes albinism, distinct from the gene responsible for white tigers.The breed, however, is almost extinct and is rarely observed any more. White lions live in only up to 70 zoos all around the world. That is why their reproduction in Georgia is a very important contribution for their survival.

It should be mentioned that many animals have started reproducing at Tbilisi Zoo recently. Cameron the white tiger gave birth to three beautiful baby tigers in November. The white tigers cubs are also living separately from their mom at this time due to cold weather. Tbilisi Zoo administration fears baby tigers in the cold. That is why they have special accommodations.