A leader in community-based conservation
The Global White Lion Protection Trust is a registered NPO/Public Benefit Organisation situated in a protected area of nearly 12,300 acres of endemic bushveld. The land was acquired by the White Lion Trust, which reintroduced a founder pride of White Lions into their natural habitat in a carefully phased, ground-breaking scientific program. These White Lions were one generation removed from their ecosystem and have been integrated with wild golden lions of the region. Our three prides now roam freely in their ancestral lands – a protected area that is not open to the general public.
Founded in 2002 by Linda Tucker after nearly ten years of intensive research into both the scientific and cultural significance of the White Lions, the Global White Lion Protection Trust has built up a strong and consistent record of creating mutual benefits for Lions, Land and People. The White Lion Trust continues to bring to the world important scientific data and calls for the legal protection of Panthera leo, particularly the critically endangered White Lion, which is site-specific to UNESCO’s Kruger-to-Canyons Biosphere region.
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The White Lions
A global heritage
The White Lions are a genetic rarity of Panthera Leo and appeared in only one place on earth – in the Timbavati and Kruger regions of the UNESCO-declared Kruger to Canyons Biosphere (K2C). Their conservation significance within this wildlife ecosystem is matched by their cultural value to the Tsonga and Sepedi communities, supported by other indigenous authorities around the globe.
Today, however, after six decades of forced removals from their endemic habitat, most White Lions are held captive in zoos and circuses worldwide. Commercial trophy hunting of lions may be ethically and scientifically indefensible, but legal loopholes mean that it is still practiced right here on our borders. Lions – including White Lions – may be commercially hunted in their natural habitat or, even worse, speed bred in captivity to become victims of the notorious “Canned Hunting” industry. Right now, there are hundreds of White Lions in captivity but less than 13 in the wilds of their endemic habitat.
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Over the course of two decades, The White Lion Trust has implemented a multi-level strategy which celebrates culture, advances social learning, uplifts the local living economy and revives the biodiversity and dignity of human life and wildlife. This LionHearted Leadership™ model is inspiring revival beyond mere survival. It is partnering with like-hearted people and organisations to restore health and prosperity to the human world as well as abundance and security to the natural kingdom.
Whether this means upgrading our fencing system to protect the White Lions and other animals under our guardianship from persistent poachers, acquiring more land for the benefit of our prides, supporting local education programs or developing innovative observation and tracking systems for the daily scientific research that is so intrinsic to our project, we strive always for excellence knowing that the work we do is essential for the ultimate survival of our entire ecology.
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Meet the StarLions
Our founding Lion Pride
Marah
Mother of the Sun
Letaba
Son of Marah
Regeus
Son of Marah
Zihra
Daughter of Marah
Meet all the StarLions
Help to support the White Lions
Please donate to help secure the survival of the iconic White Lions
Sponsor a Day of Freedom
$95 is what it costs our non-profit organisation to ensure the freedom and safety of every single one of our lions every single day.
Raised:
$91,887.00Goal:
$434,350.00
Help us build the Megalithic Stone Monument for Nature
We invite you to join us in funding the construction of this sacred bushveld Temple, which is designed to last for 7 generations.
Raised:
$70,594.00Goal:
$80,600.00
Scientific Wish List
Our Scientific Wish List reflects some of the practical items that we need and use in order to ensure the White Lions’ protection each and every day.
Raised:
$22,565.00Goal:
$40,068.00Latest News
Latest updates from the Heartlands
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Inspiration And Integration: Starlion Stakeholder’s Weekend
04/03/2024As a frontline conservation and leadership organisation, the Global White Lion P...
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Exciting Staff Announcements
20/02/2024Welcoming Gavin te Brake, General Manager of the Global White Lion Protection Tr...
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In Conversation with Linda Tucker: White Lions are our living heritage
22/09/2023South Africa’s Heritage Day gives each one of us the perfect opportunity to ac...
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