The white lion is not a distinct subspecies, but a special morph with a genetic condition, leucism,that causes paler colouration akin to that of the white tiger; the condition is similar to melanism, which causes black panthers. White animals of the Transvaal lion (Panthera leo krugeri) have been occasionally encountered in and around the Kruger National Park and the adjacent Timbavati Private Game Reserve in eastern South Africa, but are more commonly found in captivity, where breeders deliberately select them. The unusual cream color of their coats is due to a recessive gene. They have been reportedly bred in camps in South Africa for use as trophies for canned hunts.

Confirmation of the actual existence of the White lion only came in the late 20th century.