Rare white lion cub makes debut in E China

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A white lion cub born in Nantong, east China's Jiangsu Province, made its debut at the city's forest safari park on Thursday.

Simba, a white lion cub, is the shining star of Nantong City's Forest Safari Park. /VCG Photo

This adorable male lion cub was born on February 13, 2019, and was named Simba after Disney's renowned lion cartoon character from The Lion King. Both his parents are purebred white lions.

Simba was born after being conceived through artificial insemination. /VCG Photo

During his very first public appearance, Simba was not shy at all. He enjoyed frolicking with his toys and playmate, an African lion cub, in front of the thrilled visitors.

Simba's adorable playmate is an African lion cub. /VCG Photo

The two cubs frolic around in their enclosure. VCG Photo

The two lion cubs having lots of fun in front of thrilled visitors. /VCG Photo

Simba playing with his favorite toy. /VCG Photo

The two lion cubs sharing an adorable moment. /VCG Photo

Female white lions usually abandon their cubs after giving birth, therefore, Simba was reared by his human "parents".

Weighing just 1.5 kilograms at the time of his birth, Simba is now a healthy 7.2-kilogram adorable little lion cub, all thanks to the good care rendered by this "human" family.

Simba is yawning after his playdate. /VCG Photo

The white lion is a rare color mutation of the lion. The worldwide population of white lions is currently less than 300.

(Cover: White lion Simba makes his first public debut. /VCG Photo)

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