“Tiger King” became a household name overnight with the captivating Netflix show that was viewed by 34.4 million people in the first 10 days of release. The show revealed the rife illegal exotic animal trade as well as the hypocrisy between the “zoos” and “sanctuaries.” It was startling to see the number of captive tigers and to hear about the cub petting and breeding programs. What was underplayed was the white Bengal tigers that were also in the show.
Captive white tigers are a result of inbreeding and the white trait is linked to a gene called “SLC45A2”. This gene controls pigment and the white tigers have a copy of the gene that inhibits red and yellow pigment formation. White tigers are not albinos since they still make some pigment. Black pigment is independent of red and yellow and that’s why white tigers have the characteristic black stripes. The inbreeding is used to maintain the white tigers since the trait is autosomal recessive. So, both parents need to have and pass down at least one copy of the white tiger version of the SLC45A2 gene. White tigers will have 2 copies of the white SLC45A2 gene.
This eye-catching coat color comes at a cost. Inbreeding increases the number of harmful traits in a breeding group. This is called inbreeding depression. Unfortunately, the results include early death, stillbirths and deformities. While the first white tiger was found in the wild, captive-bred tigers of all colors can’t be released into the wild.
First, it is because captive tigers are interbred (excluding the white ones) so that they are not true subspecies anymore. Subspecies adapted to their natural environment through traits like coat thickness etc. So “mixed” bred tigers have not adapted to any of the natural environments anymore. There is also the issue of tigers hunting. Even if captive tigers are taught how to hunt, they would still lack the vital experience from their moms. Captive tigers also become used to humans and may encroach on farming lands if released and be a dangerous “pest.”
While some people took Joe Exotic’s side after his story was told we should think about what goes on behind the scenes both legally and with the care of the animals.
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