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Rare White Lions in South Africa
A pride of rare white lions was released into the South African wilds, in an attempt to re-establish the species in their natural habitat.
This was the second pride released in the last three years. The white lions were fitted with radio tracking devices, used to monitor their hunting behavior and growth. They may look like albinos, but their unusual color is the result of a unique gene. They are seen as the most sacred animals by many tribes, but, because of poaching, only three white lion prides roam free today.
Lounging gracefully in the long grass in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, these majestic White Lions wait patiently for their release back into the wild.
The ghost-white lions will soon become the second pride in three years to take their first steps to freedom in the greater Timbavati region of South Africa.
For Linda Tucker, left, of the Global White Lion Trust (WLT), their reintroduction will mark a significant step forward in the bid to re-establish the rare White Lion back into its natural habitat.
Jason Turner prepares the radio tracking collar with the help of Linda Tucker. "Our team, led by Jason Tuner, has worked tirelessly to ensure the lions are ready for their reintroduction and the tagging is an important part of the process as it will help to monitor the pride's hunting behavior."
The Staff struggle to load a Lioness onto a vehicle to be fitted with an internal transponder.
The Cubs are fitted with tracking systems under their skin so growth can be monitored.
Staff prepare adult pride members for the fitting of internal trackers. "It is also important to be able to track multiple lions in the pride to observe their hunting strategy, so as to compare their hunting behavior with that of golden lions in the region," Linda explains.
Often mistaken for albino lions, their translucent fur and bright blue eyes are the product of a rare gene, meaning they are seen by many, including tribal elders in Africa, as the most sacred animal on the African continent.
However their beauty has made them a prized hunting trophy and following years of forced removals into zoos and captive breeding camps around the world, the White Lion has become technically extinct in the wild.
Unprotected by South African law, less than three prides are free-roaming in the wild.
With the release just days away Linda and her team know their task to protect these iconic animals is only just underway…
"The White Lion must be protected not only because of its scientific value, but also its cultural value," explains Linda.
"We also look forward to more natural births occurring in the region without human intervention or interference."
The pride relax in the long grass only days away from their release back into the wild.
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