The White Lions Of Pumba Private Game Reserve
Pumba Private Game Reserve has been home to a flourishing pride of free ranging White Lion since 2006. The pride has already produced three sets of free ranging cubs. As part of the Conservation management plan is to manage the predator species to ensure that there is no inbreeding. To ensure against this, a pure White Lioness was brought in for introduction to the pride during October 2009. Introducing a new member to an established pride is an extremely sensitive procedure. In this case the dominant male would gladly accept the new lioness; however, the dominant females would not and in all eventuality kill the new female if not introduced in a controlled manner. The emphasis of her introduction is to enrich the gene pool amongst the pride.
Currently the new lioness is being held in a rehabilitation boma, where she will be able to acclimatize herself to her new environment. Once acclimatized she will be introduced to her new family by capturing the dominant lioness and placing her in a rehabilitation boma next door to her to allow them to get to know each other and bond. Once the two have got to know each other through the boma fence, they will be allowed into the same boma to have physical contact. This is the crucial period for the introduction, as only at this stage will it be evident whether the dominant lioness has accepted the new lioness. Once the two lionesses have spent 5 days together in the boma and demonstrated that they have bonded the two will be released to join the pride. This is an exciting programme for Pumba, and the survival of our white lion pride
