White Tiger Facts
All White tigers are actually just Bengal tigers which have inherited 2 copies of a recessive gene controlling skin pigmentation. Unlike albino tigers which are 100% white with no stripes, white tigers still carry their black stripes, making them almost identical to an orange bengal tiger except for their unusual color.
Look & Appearance
In terms of looks, white tigers have a distinctly pink nose, blue eyes and of course a white or creamy colored fur. These beautiful tigers are often much larger than their orange brothers and sisters, growing up to 3 meters in length and weighing up to 200-230 Kilograms in weight. These size differences exist both as babies and into maturity which usually occurs by 2-3 years of age.
Unethical Breeding
Due to their larger size and the unique white color zoos, circuses and private owners have turned the breeding and rearing of white tigers into big business. In the wild white tigers are extremely rare due to the scarcity and low probability of a tiger inheriting both recessive genes (chances are 1 in 10,000) but in captivity breeders are taking white tigers and breeding them with each other. Father with daughter, brother with sister etc.
The fact that these establishments are involved in such inbreeding is not only disturbing but it causes many defects and problems in these new born cubs. As with most breeding genetic variation is essential and limiting the gene pool just to create a white tiger causes long term problems such as distorted spines, mental deficiancy, crossed eyes, as well as an overall low tolerance to illness and disease.
Why do they keep inbreeding ?
The answer of course is related to money. White tigers are a part of the ever expanding exotic animals trade which has grown to become a multi million dollar business and is second only to the illegal drug trade business.
Zoo’s, circuses and private owners openly admit that the white tiger serves as a great attraction for visitors increasing visitors and of course revenues. A white tiger can sell for as much as $100,000 so if you already own a couple why not breed them create some cubs and sell them off for some extra profit.
It’s unfortunate but this is exactly what happens and due to the extreme problems and abnormalities that occur when inbreeding occurs many of the new born cubs either die extremely young or come out so deformed that they are either killed or given away to freak shows where they live an extremely poor standard of living.
Remember it’s not as if white tigers must be bred with each other, they’re not a separate sub-species of tiger, rather they’re 100% identical to the orange bengal tiger except for their unusual color. This means they can happily coexist and mate with a normal orange bengal tiger to produce healthy offspring.
Establishments and individuals who claim their trying to save or keep the species alive are simply manipulating the truth to keep their unethical activities alive. Breeding of white tigers is nothing short of evil and benefits the tiger species in no way what so ever.
its all not true
Hi…
Why are no actions taken against such zoo’s , circuses which openly admit they breed to earn that ‘Extra Profit’?
What are the laws n regulations which are related to such cases?
Is there any way one can help to save the Tigers?
I am from Mumbai[India], I am in love with this animal and want to try my best to save it from extinction. Please let me know if i can help in any way…
I LIKE WHITE TIGERS:]<3333
TIGERS NEED TO BE sAVEd<3:]
HI i think that tigers r awsome!!!!! and they need some help growing i think they should have more baby kids so they can increase the total amount of tigers there r in the world.
i like ponys : )
i love white tigers they are so mustearius i love there lolor
you need to hepl save the white tiger’s
you need to white tiger for the zoo call me at 634-2123 that my houes
I love whitwe tigers they are my second favorite animal love them
you guyz iz gay
i l00000000ve white tigers they are simply beautiful……..steps should be taken to save them
the inbreeding is awfull it should be stoped! i luv white tigers!!!!! <3
i love the white tigers,i am doing a assesment on endangered animals and i chose to do the white tiger id like to know more :):(:):(:):(:):(:)
I totally agree white tigers need to be saved but noone will ever stick up to it!! I wish one person could just stand up and save the liveas of all these lovely tigers in the world.Not only just white tigers becuase theya are rare,any tigers just save them all please we dont want them getting extinct just becuase of those evil poachers out there! please someone just save them!!! we love you tigers out there!! <3
save them xxxxxx
i love tigers tooo:)
[...] Originally Posted by texas7 You know what is sad - those tigers aren’t natural - white tigers are created by overbreeding and the animals suffer from many genetic disorders due to that. They had some show on Animal Planets about White Tigers - it was quite sad. That is actually a false statement. White Tigers are Bengals born with a rare recessive gene. They are very natural. But, they have been inbred since they are so rare. White Tiger Facts Tiger Facts - Facts About Tigers [...]