Hyderabad Zoo is home to 12 White Bengal Tigers: India’s Second-Largest White Tiger Conservation Program

The Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad is one of the most famous zoos in India. At present, the zoo is home to a rare and mesmerizing sight which has been attracting visitors from all over, and the reason is the 12 white Bengal tigers here. Yes, you read that right! The zoo is home to these majestic white coloured big cats. These have gorgeous snow-white coats and piercing icy-blue eyes! Simply gorgeous.Let’s have a look:White Tigers are a genetic wonderMany believe that the white tigers are a separate species. But that’s incorrect info as these are genetic wonders not different species but only a variant of the Bengal tiger. The only thing which makes them stand out is the skin colour which is white. It is a rare recessive gene that suppresses orange pigmentation in these big cats. Most white tigers in existence today have been bred in captivity.More about Nehru ZooThe Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad is the second-largest home for white tigers, after Nandankanan Zoological Park in Odisha. Today Hyderabad’s zoo has become a major hub for white tigers.But people must know that white tiger breeding programs come with their own risks which are associated with inbreeding. It is because when related animals are bred many times, it increases the risk of genetic deformities, weakened immunity, and health problems.However, zoo Director Sunil Hiremath, said, “We don’t breed indiscriminately. To maintain genetic diversity, we cross-breed white tigers with orange Bengal tigers when necessary. A white cub may reappear by the third generation—but will be genetically stronger.”The process of breeding and raising tiger cubs is an important and delicate task. Soon after birth, the mother tigers and their cubs are kept in complete isolation for 15–20 days. They are through CCTV cameras.

Explaining the importance of the process, the director further said, “Even minor disturbances can stress the mother. In extreme cases, she may abandon or even consume a weak cub.”Despite decades of awareness campaigns, several myths about white tigers persist. Many visitors still believe these animals are a separate species or were brought from abroad. “Educating the public is an ongoing challenge,” said one senior zookeeper.Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park today is connected deeply with the intersection of conservation, education, and breeding. While the shiny white tigers are a prime attraction, the zoo’s main goal is to become a responsible wildlife manager. It’s again a genetic wonder that makes these big cats all the more stunning!