White lions are among the rarest and most treasured animals in the world. Rarer still is their survival in the wild. Their white color stands out in Africa’s wild bush country, increasing their risk of being targeted and killed by rival predators and marauding adult male lions. Only three white cubs have reached adulthood in the wilds of South Africa since white lions were first documented there in 1975. Now, two white cubs, sisters, have beaten the odds, surviving all the challenges of their youth with the help of two remarkable lionesses—their mother, Matimba, and their aunt, Khanya. Without an adult male lion to protect their small pride, Matimba and Khanya must rely solely on their own knowledge, strength and courage to protect their family.
May 2012
This is the exciting story of two lion cubs born with a rare whim of nature. In Krüger park, South Africa's major natural reserve, about once in a generation a pride of lions includes a rarity: white cubs. This time two are born to the sister of a lioness with two elder, regular 'golden' cubs, whose natural camouflage is a major hunting and hiding advantage. The tiny pride is precarious anyway, having lost its sole male, with three lion brothers roaming around, eager to render a lioness mating-ready again by killing her offspring. Meanwhile prey and even the cubs are in danger from hyenas and leopards, as everyone lurks for a 'free meal', and some prey defending themselves and their young prove fearsome, notably buffaloes
Feb 2012
