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White Tiger King Mohan: A Royal Legacy
2 Nov
Summary
- Mohan, a white tiger rescued in 1951, is the ancestor of all captive white tigers.
- He was captured alive in Central India and revered as royalty in Rewa.
- His unique coat is due to a recessive gene, not albinism.
Every captive white tiger alive today traces its lineage back to Mohan, a legendary big cat rescued from Central India in 1951. He became the patriarch of an entire unique genetic strain, captivating the world.
Mohan was captured as a cub in the forests of Sidhi district in 1951 by Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa. His striking white fur and ice-blue eyes distinguished him from his siblings. Transported to Govindgarh Palace, he was treated with royal reverence, and news of the "White Tiger of Rewa" spread globally.
White tigers are not albinos but possess a double recessive gene that suppresses specific pigments, leaving dark stripes intact. Mohan's white coat trait was proven in 1958 when his daughter, Radha, gave birth to the first white litter after being backcrossed with Mohan.
From this lineage, cubs were gifted to zoological institutions worldwide, including the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Consequently, all white tigers in international zoos today are direct descendants of Mohan and Radha. Mohan passed away in 1969, and his legacy contributed to the establishment of Bandhavgarh National Park.
