The majestic white lion is considered to be an extremely rare animal affected by a genetic color mutation, resulting in white-colored fur. These animals aren’t albinos—the white lion owes its unique coat to the recessive trait called leucism, which makes the fur of the animal lose a part of its pigment while eyes and lips remain normal. Currently, there are only around 13 white lions living in the wild and around 100 of them living in captivity.

Around a month ago, four of these extremely rare cuties were welcomed at a zoo in east China. Recently, the zoo released some pictures capturing the quadruplets, making thousands of people on the internet fall head over heels in love with them.

On November 6, these white lion quadruplets were born at Nantong Forest Safari Park in Jiangsu, China

Image credits: AFP

These extremely rare and extremely adorable white lion quadruplets were born on November 6 at Nantong Forest Safari Park in Jiangsu, east China. All of the four babies were announced to be male. In the photos released by the Chinese zoo, the cubs are seen playing around with one another, eating and posing for the camera like true models.

The cubs are expected to make their first public debut on December 26

Image credits: AFP

According to the Nantong Forest Safari Park, the cubs are perfectly healthy and are growing very quickly. And after a month of round-the-clock care by the keepers, the little lions are being prepared for their first public debut which will take place on December 26.

There are only 13 white lions currently living in the wild and around 100 living in captivity

Image credits: AFP

According to the Global White Lion Protection Trust, white lions aren’t yet recognized as a separate species. Because of that, despite being so rare, they aren’t considered to be an endangered species, therefore these animals aren’t protected by law.

Despite being so rare, the white lion isn’t considered to be an endangered animal

Image credits: AFP

“The White Lions are listed as Panthera leo, which is classified as ‘Vulnerable,’ meaning they may become threatened with extinction in the future, unless trade is closely controlled,” the team of the Global White Lion Protection Trust writes on their website. “The White Lion gene needs to be researched, understood and protected, as a matter of urgency.”

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