🐯 White Tiger Trivia｜Is Rylai's White Fur Actually Rare?

White tigers are not a separate species or subspecies, nor are they albino! The white fur of a typical white tiger is related to a recessive genetic mutation in the SLC45A2 gene. This mutation affects pigment formation, turning the normally orange-yellow fur white or off-white, while the black stripes remain, and the eyes are often blue. 🐯🤍 Because it's a recessive trait, it only manifests as white when inherited from both parents, making it quite rare in the wild. Furthermore, the health issues often associated with white tigers shouldn't be simply understood as 'the white fur gene makes them sick.' In the past, humans engaged in inbreeding to breed rare white tigers, which increased the risk of other genetic diseases and congenital defects. Taiwan's Shoushan Zoo also previously housed a white tiger named 'Zhaohai,' who sadly passed away in February 2026 at the age of 19. 🥲 I never knew there was so much to the story behind Rylai's white fur! ✨