Rare white lion cub makes debut in E China
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.
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)
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)