THE WHITE BENGAL TIGER – PANTHERA TIGRIS TIGRIS
The White Tiger is seen as a magical or fantasy animal surrounded by many misconceptions. These “blonde, blue-eyed” Bengal Tigers are just that, white-furred, blue-eye tigers. Having all come from one founding White Tiger captured in the 1950’s, these magnificent looking animals are prone to shorter lives, thin skin (especially on the elbows / knees / hips), arthritis and related dysplasia’s. As our White Tiger, Nalin, begins to age-out we are ensuring his comfort during the last year(s) of his life. Since Cat Tales is a rescue center, we will not seek out a replacement, but it is not uncommon for aging white tigers from other circumstances to need a second chance or forever home.
Meet Our White Tiger
NALIN
Nalin arrived at Cat Tales on March 21, 2017. Originally from California and before becoming part of our family, he was one of the stars of Tiger Island at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. As he got a little older (as often happens) he wanted a quieter life away from the commotion of a theme park and was donated to Cat Tales. We are so grateful to have him here in Spokane. We know Nalin is happy with his new home as he often greets keepers with loving chuffs and engages with the enrichment he receives here daily. Another of his favorite activities is posing for pictures. Nalin is a Bengal Tiger, just with white fur and blue eyes. No white tigers are known to exist in the wild. Born August 8, 2008.
Habitat: Grasslands and rainforest of India, Bangladesh and Nepal;
Lifespan: In the Wild 12-15 years; In Captivity 18-20 years;
Diet: Carnivore;
Status: Bengal Tiger is Endangered – White Tigers are Extinct in the Wild;
Interesting and little-known facts about white tigers:
White tigers are not a separate subspecies of tigers. They are a result of a genetic mutation that affects pigmentation.
The last recorded wild white tiger was captured in India in the early 1950s.
White tigers have blue eyes, unlike the yellow eyes of other tigers.
White tigers have a recessive gene that causes their white coat color.
There are no known wild populations of white tigers, and most white tigers in captivity are the result of inbreeding.
White tigers have been used as a symbol of conservation, but some animal welfare organizations argue that breeding them in captivity is unethical.
Common myths and misconceptions about white tigers:
Myth: White tigers are albinos.
Fact: Albinism is a condition where an animal has no pigment at all. White tigers still have stripes, and their eyes and nose are not pink due to albinism.
Myth: White tigers are more aggressive than other tigers.
Fact: There is no evidence to suggest that white tigers are more aggressive than other tigers.
Myth: White tigers are more valuable than other tigers.
Fact: While white tigers are rare, they are not inherently more valuable than other tigers.
Myth: White tigers are endangered.
Fact: White tigers are not a separate subspecies, and their rareness is due to their genetic mutation, not their endangerment.
