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Colorado Vignette - Cheyenne Mountain Zoo White Lion

Mysterious. Magical. White Lion Arrives at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The legend of the white lion has been part of African folklore for centuries. The ancient myth holds that once every hundred years these regal animals emerge from the African bush, their majestic white coats a clear representation of the good to be found in all creatures.

Claims of white lion sightings started to surface in 1928, but confirmation of their existence didn't come until 1975 when a white lion litter was seen at Timbavati Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park in South Africa. Descendants of these South African white lions can be seen for the first time ever in Colorado at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

A nearly two-year old male white lion and his tawny colored brother are special guests of the Colorado Springs mountain zoo through Labor Day. White lions have been exhibited at only a handful of U.S. zoos.

A recessive gene causes the white fur color. At birth, the cubs are snowy white. This gradually darkens to a pale cream color as the lion ages. The normal-colored brother of the white lion also carries the recessive white lion gene. Some of his offspring will, in all probability, be white. Currently, there are less than 50 white lions on the planet.

To reach the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, take I-25 to exit 138 west and follow the signs. Call 719/633-9925 or visit www.cmzoo.org for more information.

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