Ralph

Fun facts

• He is not albino. His white coat comes from leucism, a recessive genetic mutation that reduces pigmentation in skin and fur.
• A male's mane signals his age and health. The darker and thicker it is, the more mature and stronger he appears — females prefer it that way.
• An adult lion sleeps 16 to 20 hours a day. It saves energy in the warm climates where the species lives.
• They are the only truly social cats. They live in prides where females hunt and males defend the territory.
• Their roar can be heard up to 8 km away. It marks territory and communicates with the rest of the pride.

Lions live across sub-Saharan Africa, with a small population in Gir, India. The white variant is native to the Timbavati region in South Africa.