Tsau! White Lion Project Further Details

Historical Perspective

More elusive than the African leopard, rarer than the legendary Snow Leopard of the Himalayas, and as white as the polar bear of Alaska, the birth of these three cubs is a momentous occasion that heralds a new era for this rare lineage.

There are only an estimated 500 white lions worldwide - in captivity. Regarded by African tribal elders as the most sacred animal on the African continent, this rarest of rarities have been hunted to extinction in the wild by trophy hunters and poachers who pay astronomical sums to shoot a white lion for pleasure. They have also been hunted in captivity in a notorious malpractice known as ‘canned lion hunting.’ No law protects them from being wiped off the face of the earth.

10 Facts about White Lions

White Lions are not albinos, but a genetic rarity unique to one endemic region on the globe: the Timbavati region.
The Genetic Marker that makes White Lions unique has not yet been identified by science.
The White Lions are currently classified under the general species classification Panthera leo (CITES Appendix II), and can therefore be hunted or traded into extinction. The Global White Lion Protection Trust therefore aims to gain specific classification for the white lions as genetically distinct, so that this rare phenotype may be protected.
The earliest recorded sighting of white lions in the Timbavati region was in 1938. However, the oral records of African elders indicate that these unique animals survived in this region for many centuries.
The unique white lion gene is carried by certain of the tawny coloured lions in the region, and white cubs occurred in numerous prides in the region.
Since their discovery by the West, white lions and those lions carrying the unique gene have been hunted, and forcibly removed from their natural endemic habitat.
The last adult white lion was seen in the wild in 1994, after which time they were technically extinct in the wild.
The idea that white lions are genetically inferior to ordinary tawny lions has not been scientifically tested.
The idea that White Lions cannot survive in the wild due to perceived lack of camouflage has not been scientifically tested. Preliminary results from our research has shown that the Founder Pride of white lions hunted as effectively as the tawny lions Jason Turner studied in the Timbavati itself (Turner & Vasicek in prep.).
Currently, there is no law nationally or internationally that protects the White Lions from being wiped off the face of the earth.

Extra Activities for Volunteers:

Some extra activities during free time could include: Game-drive in neighbouring reserves, On-foot wilderness walk at neighbouring reserves, Day-trip to Kruger National Park, Day-trip of panoramic route including visitor sites such as God's window, Pilgrims' Rest, Hazeyview etc., Visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Protection Centre, Visit to the Khamai Reptile Park, Visit to spectacular waterfalls in the area, Visit to the Cotton Club, African silk factory, Hot air balloon rides and River-horse out-rides. Please note that these are at your own cost.

The Timbavati Region - Geography and Climate

Geography
The Timbavati Region is located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, bordering the world famous Kruger National Park. It is at the centre of the Kruger 2 Canyons Biosphere Reserve, the third largest biosphere (conservation region) in the world. The nearest town is Hoedspruit.

Climate
The Timbavati Region is situated in a summer rainfall area of South Africa. The climate is typified by a summer wet season, which is roughly confined to the period from October to March, with the majority of precipitation occurring from December to February. The remainder of the year tends to be dry, with rare occurrences of precipitation.

Temperatures tend to be high during the day, but they drop at night by 10 to 15ºC. A mean daily maximum temperature for the wet season (October to March) is 32.6 ºC and the mean daily minimum temperature is 20.5 ºC. The mean daily maximum temperature for the dry season (April to September) is 28.4 ºC and the mean daily minimum temperature is then 10.8 ºC.

Health

It is recommended that you obtain some vaccinations and medication before coming to South Africa. You should see your GP or visit a travel clinic at a suitable time before arrival. Tell them where you are going and they can tell you what vaccinations are required and what medical precautions you need to take. The Timbavati Region is a malarial area, and prophylaxis is recommended (especially in the summer months of Oct to April). We provide mosquito nets in the rooms, but please bring sufficient supplies of medication or personal items you may require, as not all products/drugs may be able in South Africa.

The nearest hospital is in Hoedspruit, approximately 35km from the Tsau! Conservancy. There is also a medical centre with doctor, dentist, optometrist, physiotherapist and chiropractor in Hoedspruit.

Passport and visa

A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages in it, is necessary to enter South Africa. Since visa requirements vary from country to country, please check with your local embassy as to whether a visa is required to enter South Africa.

Dangerous animals

Every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of all volunteers on our programme, but volunteers must be aware that there are dangerous animals such as poisonous snakes, scorpions, spiders, as well as lion, leopard and spotted hyaena.

Facilities, Amenities

In Hoedspruit, the following are available: medical centre, pharmacy, three large grocery stores, bush clothing stores, banking facilties & ATM’s (Visa / Electron/ Maestro), restaurants, internet café, camera store, and general wholesaler (bedding, linen, crockery, cutlery).

Volunteer Feedback

To read stories and feedback from ex-volunteers, please click here. Always a good way to give you an outsider's perspective on what its like to work on this programme.

White Lions Released into the Wild - June 2009 - in the media

A pride of 5 white lions (mother, mate and 3 cubs) were released back into the wild early June 2009 - check out the media coverage below, including photos of volunteers in action.

Telegraph - Earth Picture photo gallery of rare white lions
Daily Mail - Family of white lions prepare to leave captivity
Mirror - White lions back were we belong
Telegraph - White lions return to the wild in South Africa

How to get involved?

If you are interested in joining this project, you will need to fill out the online application form (you can also print it out and send it to us by post) – to secure a placement on the project, please complete and submit the form including two references and your deposit of £150. If for some reason, your application is declined, we would reimburse this deposit fully. However for those who are accepted, 25% of the full amount needs to be paid right after you have been confirmed on the project, with the remainder (75%) to be paid one month before departure. Once the full sum is paid, you will receive a pre-departure package with all detailed information on your project, the Timbavati Region, suggested items to bring etc.