There is lot of misconception about white tigers. Some people think these are tigers from Siberia but the fact is that the white tiger is not a separate sub species of tigers, neither is it an albino. This I came to know from the Zoo officials in India. I was surprised to know that white tigers found in the zoos of America are actually descendants of single Bengal tiger Mohan.

White tigers are very rarely found in the wild. In about 100 years only 12 white tigers have been seen in the wild in India. They are almost extinct and most of the ones living are in captivity, mostly in zoos. There is no such thing as a snow tiger. All white tigers originate from the first white tiger "Mohan", from India.

The white tiger is born to a Bengal tiger that has the gene needed for white coloring. A pure white tiger has no stripes and are totally white. White tigers have ice blue eyes, a pink nose, creamy white fur and chocolate brown to black stripes.

Other characteristics of white tiger
Life span: White tigers in the wild live to be about 10 to 15 years while tigers in zoos usually live between 16 and 20 years. Diet: Tigers do not hunt in social groups like lions. They are generally solitary animals. In the wild, tigers will eat pig, cattle and deer. They can eat as much as 40 pounds of meat at one time! After such a big meal a tiger will not eat again for several days. White Tigers have 30 large teeth ranging from 2.5 to 3 inches.

Summary of White Tiger

• The White Tiger is a good swimmer, but a very poor climber.
• They may be slow runners, but they are stealthy enough to catch any prey in their sights.
• Because they are solitary animals, they hunt mostly at night
• White tigers are born to Bengal tigers that carry an unusual gene needed for white coloring.