Sanctuary enjoys a 'white Christmas'
A sterilised white lion has miraculously fathered a trio of white lion cubs. Coming just in time for the festive season, their birth has been dubbed a "Christmas miracle".
Drakenstein Lion Park is a non-breeding sanctuary in South Africa that rescues lions from abusive environments.
Staff at the park noticed their five-year-old lioness Nala was behaving strangely a few days before Christmas. Much to their surprise, they discovered she had been hiding three cubs.
Nala's mate Brutus was surgically sterilised more than three years ago. The operation was believed to have been a success as both Brutus and Nala have been sexually mature for more than three years without any previous mishaps.
The lion park says it is at a loss to explain the miraculous conception. Nonetheless, Nala and Brutus are reportedly proving to be great first-time parents.
When it's safe for the cubs, Brutus will undergo a second vasectomy.
Image courtesy of Drakenstein Lion Park
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