albinism in animals

Albinism is the loss of the ability to generate melanin, a skin pigmentation that causes the dark coloration of the skin

It’s important to note that not all white animals are albinos. Some animals are simply light-skinned, or they might suffer from other conditions, such as leucism and isabellinism. To tell the difference between an albino animal and one without the disease, look at the eyes: blood vessels normally masked by pigment show through in albino creatures, making their eyes pinkish in color.

Now to the question…

Albinism occurs in almost all species but is most times than often mistaken for Leucism.

Since the total number of white lions worldwide is about 300 both in wild and captivity , the chances of spotting an albino lion is quite slim.

White lions have a rare recessive trait that causes their white skin coloration [Leucism] . Unlike albino animals that lack pigmentation, white lions’ rare gene produces lighter pigmentation. Whereas albinos have pink or red coloration to their eyes and noses, white lions have blue or gold eyes, black features on their noses, “eye-liner,” and dark patches behind their ears. Male white lions may have white, blonde, or pale hair in their manes and on the ends of their tails.