In the vast canvas of Earth’s wonders, a heartwarming chapter unfolds as white lion Sarawati and white lioness Ivory become proud parents to four adorable cubs named Apollo, Samson, Odlin, and Yeti. At first glance, these cubs may appear as ordinary tiger cubs, but they are, in fact, a rare hybrid known as ligers—white ligers, to be precise. These majestic creatures are among the rarest tigers globally, with only around 1,000 of them residing worldwide, primarily in captivity.
The uniqueness of the cubs is rooted in their lineage. Sarawati and Ivory are rare breeds in their own right, with only approximately 1,200 white tigers and 300 white lions existing in the wild. The family resides in the T.I.G.E.R. Sanctuary in Myrtle Beach, under the watchful eye of a dedicated team of professionals.
This isn’t the first time ligers have graced the sanctuary; Hercules, one of the largest ligers ever recorded, was born there. Weighing an impressive 922 pounds, Hercules is a gentle giant and the uncle to Apollo, Odlin, Yeti, and Samson. These tiny cubs, growing a pound per day, are thriving and developing under the vigilant care of the sanctuary’s team.
Much like their larger relative Hercules, the cubs are expected to grow up to 750 pounds and reach a length of up to 10 feet. Although they may seem small now, their potential for giant stature is undeniable. Each cub possesses unique personality traits: Apollo stands out as the smartest and kindest, while Yeti, the largest, is destined to shine in the limelight.