Clarence, a white Bengal tiger, struggles in a world where he would be vulnerable if left to his own devices. Suffering from strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes, he faces significant challenges in depth perception and vision. The genetic mutation that resulted in his striking color also miswired his optic nerve, leaving him nearly blind.

In a wildlife sanctuary, Clarence navigates his environment by memory, but the reality of survival would be dire for him in the wild. His unique coloration, while beautiful, strips him of the ability to blend into his surroundings. Prey such as deer, which are red-green colorblind, would easily spot him. Unlike the typical orange and black Bengal tigers that excel in ambush hunting, Clarence's visibility would lead to his failure as a predator.

Tigers have substantial dietary needs, and the inability to hunt effectively can lead to starvation. Although they can endure fasting for several days, their large size makes them more susceptible to hunger compared to smaller animals.

Clarence's condition raises questions about his origins and the reasons behind his distinctive color. Tragically, it is human intervention that has led to his existence. He is a product of a breeding industry that prioritizes profit over the well-being of animals. White tigers are bred for entertainment, and Clarence, with his crossed eyes, is an unfortunate byproduct of this process.

The breeding of white tigers often results in numerous health issues, ranging from immune deficiencies to skeletal deformities. While Clarence has avoided many of these ailments, his vision impairment makes him less desirable to breeders, leading to many cubs being discarded if they do not meet specific aesthetic criteria.

The history of white tigers began with the last Maharaja of Rewa, Martand Singh, who captured a white cub named Mohan in 1951. His fascination with breeding more white tigers led to a series of inbreeding practices that resulted in a high mortality rate among cubs. The belief that white tigers are a distinct species is a misconception; they suffer from a genetic condition known as leucism, which occurs naturally in very rare instances.

By the 1980s, white tigers gained popularity through performers like Siegfried and Roy, and the market for these animals became lucrative. Despite this, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has condemned breeding for such recessive traits, emphasizing that it contradicts conservation efforts.

Clarence's journey to a sanctuary began when his previous owner could no longer keep him due to stricter regulations on private ownership of exotic animals. After spending a decade in inadequate conditions, he was finally placed in a sanctuary in Nevada, where he has since thrived, receiving proper care and living in a spacious environment designed for enrichment.

To aid in the protection of white tigers like Clarence, individuals can take action by supporting legislation such as the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which prohibits private ownership of big cats and curtails cub petting practices that exploit these animals. Additionally, supporting accredited wildlife sanctuaries ensures that animals like Clarence can live in peace, free from the pressures of breeding for profit.

The story of Mohini, another white tiger, serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of captivity. Her life in a small cage symbolizes the plight of many animals, emphasizing the need for better treatment and respect for wildlife.

We must recognize that animals deserve compassionate care and a life free from exploitation.