Unfortunately, standing out in a crowd can make one a target for teasing. In this footage, a rare white lion cub does his best to claim his rightful place in the pride.
Craig Blewett submitted this lovely footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed the interactions while visiting South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Family time
As we join Craig at the sighting, we see a pride of lions, consisting of both adults and cubs. While the adults seem determined to rest, the cubs are full of energy.
In the centre of the above image, a lioness closely watches the pride male. She knows males can be unpredictable, particularly around boisterous cubs.
A glimpse of white in the fray
As his nerves begin to fray, we catch a glimpse of something white among the tawny cats. As Craig continues filming, he hopes to confirm his suspicions.
Moments later, a snow-white cub emerges from the mass of lions. White lions are endemic to the central Kruger and adjacent Timbavati Nature Reserve.
Their unique colour results from a recessive gene carried by both parents. The condition is known as leucism, in which only the hair colour differs from that of a “normal” lion.
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Normal but different
As the cub minds his own business, one of his siblings comes over to taunt him. Whether this is because of his pale coat or simply typical lion cub behaviour is uncertain.
There is speculation that white lions could be rejected by their prides. And this is just one of several unique challenges white cubs face as they develop.
That said, the fact that none of the other lions join in suggests that it is only play. For this cub, however, it may hold more significance if he is to live a normal life.
Play with purpose
Since lions are social cats, it is important that they form bonds with one another. And play is the ideal way to do that.
Not only does it provide exercise, but it also helps to establish the pecking order within the group.
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Testing alliances
As the cub tires of the game, he positions himself close to dad, hoping to find an ally.
Meanwhile, his sibling is not falling for the trick. Instead, he leaps on the white cub again.
This pushes him into the male. Consequently, the male warns the youngster off with a snarl.
Disappointed, the white cub looks at his dad, hoping to get some sympathy.
But there is none to be had. So, when his tawny sibling again approaches, the cub boops him on the nose.
Meanwhile, the rest of the cubs pile onto their dad. They, too, are warned off with a snarl. It seems like Dad’s just having one of those days.
