# @thetorontozoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3avDwjRUF
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68972010-thetorontozoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/7fd0bc40d8.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-10T16:14:15.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Toronto Zoo (@thetorontozoo) — https://gondola.cc/thetorontozoo

## Caption

It’s #WorldLionDay 🦁

Today, we are proudly celebrating lions everywhere, including two very special members of your Toronto Zoo family: Makali and Lemon.

Do you remember? Makali and Lemon arrived at your Toronto Zoo as cubs in 2012 and have been captivating members and guests in their Africa Savanna habitat ever since. These striking sisters are white lions, a naturally occurring colour variation of the African lion. Their beautiful coats are the result of a rare recessive genetic trait called leucism — meaning, they are not albino lions.

In the wild, white lions have historically been recorded in the Timbavati and Greater Kruger region of South Africa, making this remarkable colour variation incredibly rare.

But no matter their coat colour, lions face serious challenges across their range. Habitat loss, declining prey populations, human-wildlife conflict, disease and illegal killing continue to put pressure on wild lion populations. Makali has also played an important role in the Toronto Zoo’s history. In September 2015, she gave birth to four white lion cubs, helping guests connect with and learn more about these incredible animals.

This #WorldLionDay, Makali and Lemon remind us that protecting lions means protecting the habitats, prey and ecosystems they depend on 🌍

Join us in celebrating these powerful predators and learning how we can all help create a future where lions continue to thrive. #GuardiansofLions 🦁

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## Tags

guardiansoflions, worldlionday

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