The Controversial Debate Around White Lions: To Breed or Not To Breed?
Different Perspectives
White lions are an incredibly rare subspecies of lion with a genetic predisposition towards light fur color. Though they are a beautiful sight to behold, these majestic creatures have sparked a great debate about their care, breeding and tourism.
Captivity
The natural habit of the white lion is within the thorny shrubs of South Africa’s Timbavati region. Unfortunately, their population has decreased drastically due to hunting and poaching and they have become a threatened species. Some argue that white lion cubs should be bred in captivity in order to preserve the species and for research purposes.
Ethical Breeding
Supporters of ethical breeding believe that it is every creature’s right to have the same opportunities for survival no matter their species. There are strict guidelines in place to ensure that white lions are well taken care of and bred in suitable habitats.
The Tourism Industry
However, there is immense controversy around the tourism industry that has been built around these precious cats. The exploitation of white lions has become a money-making business and in many cases, the lions are kept in poor physical and mental health.
What Should We Do?
The international community continues to grapple with the question of whether to breed or not to breed white lions given the ethical and moral questions in play. Breeding might ensure the preservation of the species, but it can also come with a host of other issues. The only certain solution is to work together and find the best possible solution that helps both white lions and the community co-exist in harmony.