Known under the scientific name of Panthera tigris, the White Tiger is one of unique cat breeds to have ever existed. As they are known as large carnivores when they grow up, let’s now learn more about baby White Tigers.
They Aren’t Albino
If your first thought was that baby White Tigers are albinos, think again. The reason that they are so is that both parents should carry a gene that makes them sport their unique look.
Their Unique Appearance
Aside from their trademark stripes that are unique to each tiger, they have two other features that make them stand out. They are its pink nose and blue eyes. Their size also makes them slightly larger when they are born.
They Are Rare
Once their parents carry this gene, they can only be born out of them if they are the 10,000 tiger birth. This condition is the reason why there are only a few of them today.
They Need Their Moms
As a cub, white tigers are attached to their mother lions while they grow up. After they turn a year and a half old, they can hunt by themselves. Once they reach two to three years old, they are considered to be adults.
They Can Die as a Cub
Once a white tigress gives birth, they usually have three or four cubs. They can also give birth to more than four cubs at once. However, one of these cubs will die before becoming a full adult.
Mohan was the First Documented White Tiger
The first documented White Tiger was found in India in 1951. Maharaja Martand Singh, Rewa’s state ruler, was able to catch one in the wild. Since then, it is known that every other White Tiger can trace him as their ancestor.
They Are An Endangered Species
Due to illegal poaching, deforestation, and unethical breeding, they are now an endangered species. Various organizations are combating this problem by making sure that there are still Bengal tigers that carry the unusual gene and naturally give birth to one.
Conclusion
Baby White Tigers only occur in every 10,000 tiger birth. Due to their rarity, they must be protected. That way, their numbers can rise and maintain the ecosystem that they belong in.
