99 Facts of Ligers

Ligers are full of fascinating facts. Their uniqueness and unusual traits reveal unlimited numbers of facts about them. In fact; no other big cat in the world possesses this much numbers of facts as the liger does. Read 99 most amazing and astonishing facts about ligers from various perspectives;

Ligers are full of astonishing and fascinating facts. Read 99 most elaborated and comprehensive facts about ligers. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers are the hybrid big cats which result from the crossbreeding of a male lion and a female tiger (tigress). | Fact = 1

The first fact about ligers defines ligers in general. The fact explains their origin as the hybrid big cats in the big cat family. The fact also specifies ligers as the offspring of a lion and a tigress. Lastly; the fact also emphasizes and categorizes the mating of lion and tigress as the crossbreeding because both lions and tigers are different enough from one another. Yet still; the crossbreeding between lion and tigress is highly possible because both the big cat species are very closely related with one another.

Ligers are

Hybrid Big Cats Ligers' Parents

Lion & Tigress Ligers Breeding

Via Crossbreeding Lions & Tigers

Different Species

Ligers are hybrid animals and they are produced through crossbreeding of a male lion and a female tiger. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers are classified as the interspecific hybrids due to the fact that both lions and tigers have the same genus i.e., Panthera. | Fact - 2

Among hybrids, ligers are classified as the interspecific hybrids. In the hybrid science; if both parents have same genus, then the resultant hybrid offspring are called interspecific hybrids. The same is true for ligers because their parents belong to the same genus "Panthera" and at the same time belonging to different species i.e., Panthera Leo (Lion) and Panthera Tigris (Tigress), therefore; they are classified as the interspecific hybrids. Lastly; only lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards and snow leopards belong to the genus Panthera and all the crossbred hybrids resulting from these big cats will be termed as interspecific hybrids.

Ligers are

Interspecific Hybrids Interspecific Hybrids

Have Same Genus Ligers' Parents Belong to

Genus Panthera Lions & Tigers

Same Genus Panthera

Ligers are interspecific hybrids due to the fact that their parents (lions and tigers) belong to the same genus Panthera. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

All liger cubs are born through normal delivery by their mother (tigress) contrary to the common misbelief that they are born via C-Section. | Fact - 3

One of the most important facts about ligers (especially their cubs) is that they are born through normal delivery process by tigresses at the time of birth. Liger cubs are of same size as the tiger cubs at the time of birth birth and a tigress can easily deliver them on her own. In our research about ligers, we never heard of a single tigress giving birth to a litter of liger cubs via C-Section. Even some births of the liger cubs were surprise for the owners themselves because they weren't aware that their tigress was pregnant. Previously; there was a common misbelief and misconception that liger cubs are born via C-Section operation because they are very huge at the time of their birth. This was absolutely wrong and in fact it was some propaganda from anti-liger entities.

Liger Cubs' Birth

Normal Delivery Liger Cubs' Size

Same as Tiger Cubs Liger Cubs' & C-Section

Myth & Misbelief

All liger cubs are given birth by their mothers (tigresses) through normal delivery process instead of C-Section procedure (myth). Photo courtesy of Liger Zoos

Ligers, lions and tigers all have equal numbers of chromosomes. Having equal numbers of chromosomes ensure successful meiosis during hybridization. | Fact - 4

Both lions and tigers have a total of 38 chromosomes. Ligers also inherit 38 chromosomes from their parents i.e., 19 from lion and 19 from tigress. These equal numbers of chromosomes of lion and tigress yield successful meiosis or meiotic pairing during the process of hybridization and the resultant offspring (liger) has huge chances to genetically thrive and stay fertile. In the case of unequal numbers of chromosomes, the resultant offspring are genetically unstable and considered infertile.

Ligers have

38 Chromosomes Lions have

38 Chromosomes Tigers have

38 Chromosomes Equal Chromosomes

Successful Hybridization

Ligers like lions and tigers also have 38 chromosomes. When chromosomes of parents are equal during the process of hybridization the resultant offspring are considered genetically strong, stable and even fertile. Photo courtesy of Liger Zoos

It is believed that the first ever litter of liger cubs in captivity was born in India during the late 18th century. However; the first ever verified litter of liger cubs can be traced back from England in 1824. | Fact - 5

It is generally believed that ligers in captivity originated from India. The 1798's painting of liger cubs by the French naturalists Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire in India is the only reason to validate this belief. Apart from that the petting of lions and tigers by Indian Rajas and Nawabs further boosts this belief. However; they merely maintained any records for ligers. But the birth of the three liger cubs at Windsor England in 1824 proves to be the most verified account of the first ever liger cubs. These liger cubs were bred by Mr. Atkins and they were even presented to king George the fourth.

First Ever Ligers

Born in India Rajas & Nawabs had

Lions & Tigers Geoffroy St.Hilaire

1st Painting of Ligers Most Verified Account

Liger Cubs in Windsor, England

It is generally believed that the first ever litter of liger cubs was born in India during the 18th century but there are no records and literature. However; the liger cubs from Windsor, England have the most verified account of first ever liger cubs. Photo courtesy of Wynnewood Zoo

A liger has the fur of a lion and the stripes of a tiger. | Fact - 6

When it comes to the general appearance of a liger, it appears like a lion because of the tawny brown fur all over its body. This makes them closer to lions at first glance. On the other hand; the pattern of stripes all over their fur makes them look like tigers to. Therefore; a liger mostly inherits its fur coloring from its father i.e., lion, and pattern of stripes from its mother i.e., tigress. This fact also makes them very unique and highly distinguished as compared to all other big cats within the big cat family.

Liger Fur Color

Tawny Brown Liger Fur Pattern

Tiger Stripes Ligers have

Lion Fur & Tiger Stripes Big Cats with Stripes

Tigers, Ligers & Tigons

The color of the liger's fur is tawny brown which makes them closer to lions. However; the pattern of the liger's fur has stripes like tigers which make them closer to tigers. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

A liger weighs almost twice bigger than a lion or a tiger. | Fact - 7

The most iconic fact about ligers is their huge weight. Ligers have the surprising ability to outgrow both lions and tigers respectively. Ligers are even bigger than the combined weights of their parents i.e., lion 450 pounds and tigress 300 pounds. Furthermore; a liger weighs almost twice bigger than the average weights of both lions and tigers. A liger usually weighs around 900 pounds on average while lions and tigers weigh around 450 to 500 pounds respectively. Lastly; ligers at 900 pounds should never be considered as obese or overweight because their body structure and size fully supports this weight.

Ligers are

Twice Bigger Weight of Ligers

800 to 900 Pounds Weight of Tigers

500 to 600 Pounds Weight of Lions

400 to 500 Pounds Ligers are Not

Obese or Overweight

Ligers almost weigh twice the weights of lions and tigers. A liger may usually weigh around 800 to 900 pounds. On the other hand; lions and tigers weigh around 500 to 600 pounds. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Historically; Carl Hagenbeck was the first person to learn and claim that ligers have the potential to outgrow both lions and tigers. | Fact - 8

During the 19th century, a German biologist named as Carl Hagenbeck was the first person to learn and claim that ligers have the potential to outgrow both lions and tigers. His work was later published in "Animal Life and World of Nature" Magazine in 1902 in which his 5 years old liger was mentioned as a specimen which vividly outgrew a fully mature lion and had a body length of more than 10 feet long. He also claimed ligers to be superior to both lions and tigers. Before Hagenbeck all records mostly focused on appearances of ligers i.e., fur of a lion and stripes of tigers etc.

Carl Hagenbeck

Ligers Outgrow Lions Carl Hagenbeck was

A German Biologist Hagenbeck's Liger

Outgrew Lion & Tiger Hagenbeck's Claimed

Ligers' Superiority

Carl Hagenbeck, a German biologist was the first person to scientifically figure out and prove that ligers outgrow lions and tigers while his work also got published in 1902. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

A liger has a body length of 11 to 12 feet long as compared to lions and tigers who are about 8 and 9 feet long respectively. | Fact - 9

Ligers are also longer in terms of their body length, when compared with lions and tigers. Their body length is measured from their nose to the end of their tail. Usually; a liger has the body length of around 11 to 12 feet long. On the other hand; lions and tigers have the body length of around 8 and 9 feet (10 feet in few cases) respectively. Therefore; ligers have at least 2 feet body length advantage as compared to lions and tigers which makes them look very big. Furthermore; having more body length means more strength and power for ligers as compared to lions and tigers.

Ligers Possess

Longer Body Length Ligers' Body Length

11 - 12 Feet Long Tigers' Body Length

9 - 10 Feet Long Lions' Body Length

8 - 9 Feet Long Ligers are at Least

2 Feet Longer

Ligers are also significantly longer as compared to lions and tigers. A liger can be as long as 12 feet while lions and tigers are around 8 to 9 feet long. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers are almost 6 feet tall from their feet to the tip of their ears while sitting on their hind legs. Ligers are also significantly taller at the shoulder heights as compared to lions and tigers. | Fact - 10

A liger is almost 6 feet tall while sitting on its hind legs when measured from bottom to the tip of its ears. This fact was revealed by Myrtle Beach Safari while explaining the physical characteristics of their liger i.e., Hercules, to the Daily Mail Website. Similarly; ligers are also significantly taller at their shoulder heights while standing on their four feet. Ligers are more than 4.7 feet (almost 5 feet) tall at their shoulders while lions and tigers are about 4 feet or marginally lesser for this length. Both lions and tigers look dwarfs, when compared with ligers on shoulder lengths.

Ligers are

6 Feet Tall 6 Feet Tall from

Tip of Ears to Legs At Shoulder Height

4.7 Feet Tall Lions & Tigers Look

Dwarf Against Ligers

Ligers are almost 6 feet tall when measured from the bottom to the tip of their ears. At Shoulder height ligers are also around 4.8 feet tall. Ligers' height make lions and tigers look dwarf in front of them. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers are recognized as the largest hybrid of the big cat family by the Guinness Book of World Records. | Fact - 11

Ligers have also been recognized as the biggest and largest by the world's leading record archiving entity i.e., the Guinness World Records. In 2006; ligers were officially recognized as the largest hybrid of the big cat family (Felidae) by the Guinness World Records and their publication book also published them as well. Ligers from Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina, USA and from the Hogle Zoo were considered as the key specimens for that Guinness World Record. Apart from Guinness Book of World Records, ligers in general are also considered as the biggest of all the members in the big cat family.

Ligers are Largest

Among Hybrid Cats Guinness World Records

Recognized Ligers Ligers in General

Biggest of all Big Cats

Ligers are also considered as the largest hybrids in the big cat family and this fact has also been recognized by Guinness Book of World Records. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers are equal in comparison to the pre-historic Smilodons (880 Pounds) and the Great American lions (900 Pounds). | Fact - 12

Even if we compare ligers with the huge pre-historic big cats such as Smilodons (Saber Tooth Tigers) and the great American lions, ligers also come at the level terms in weighing statistics. Smilodons used to weigh around 880 pounds in weight, whereas; the Great American Lions used to weigh around 900 to 1000 pounds which makes them equal in sizes with ligers. These comparisons can give ligers a key accolade as the biggest of all the big cats along with the prehistoric Smilodons and the Great American Lions respectively.

Ligers Weigh

800 to 900 Pounds Smilodons Weighed

800 to 900 Pounds Great American Lions

900 Pounds Ligers are Equal to

Smilodons & American Lions

Ligers are even equivalent in size to the Great American Lions and Smilodons. These former prehistoric big cats used to weigh around 900 pounds as well. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Even though the female ligers are smaller than the male ligers but they are as big as male lions and tigers. Female ligers weigh 400 to 500 pounds in weight. | Fact - 13

Female ligers are smaller than male ligers but they are big enough to match the strength and size of both male lion and male tigers. Furthermore; both tigresses and lionesses look dwarf in front of the female ligers. A female liger form the Novosibirsk Zoo in Russia weighed more than 500 pounds and looked as big as male lion or a tiger in size. Similarly; a female liger from the Wynnewood Zoo also looked as big as a lion or a tiger at the Wynnewood Zoo in Oklahoma, USA.

Female Ligers are Equal to

Male Lions/Tigers Female Ligers Weigh

500 - 600 Pounds Lions & Tigers

500 - 600 Pounds Female Ligers are

As big as Male Lions/Tigers

Female Ligers are as big as male lions and tigers. Female Ligers weigh around 500 pounds while the same is true about male lions and tigers. Photo courtesy of Wynnewood Zoo

Ligers also have the fastest growth rate among all the big cats. On average a liger grows about 1 pound per day during the first 4 years of its life. | Fact - 14

Surprisingly; very little has been discussed about the growth rate of the ligers which is in fact the fastest of all the big cats. According to the estimates; ligers grow at a rate of almost one pound per day (on average) during the first four years of its life. Furthermore; during the third year of their lives, this growth rate almost doubles in ligers. Remember; the first four years of the genus Panthera are the growing years and the same is true about ligers. On the other hand; lions and tigers grow at about half a pound per day (on average) during the first four years of their lives. Therefore; ligers' growth rate is twice more than that of lions and tigers.

Ligers' Growth Rate

Fastest of All Big Cats Ligers' Growth

1 Pound Per Day Lions & Tigers

0.5 Pound Per day Ligers' Growth Years

1st 4 Years

Ligers have the fastest growth rate as they grow by 1 pound on average per day. During some years of their lives they grow by 2 pounds per day as well. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers are as healthy as the other big cats. They are free of genetic defects and live normally by inheriting the best traits of both lions and tigers. | Fact - 15

According to the liger experts, ligers are as healthy as the other big cats and they are free of any genetic defects and abnormalities. The hybridization process of lion and tigress is viable enough to produce genetically strong and successful offspring in the form of ligers. This is the key reason that the ligers possess the best physical and behavioral traits of both lions and tigers. Some online rumors depict ligers as genetically incorrect and unhealthy big cats but they are all wrong. At ligerworld.com we have observed more than 120 ligers all over the world and found them all to be fully healthy and free of genetic defects.

Ligers are as Healthy

As Other Big Cats Ligers are Free of

Disabilities & Abnormalities Ligers are Free of

Genetic Defects Ligers Inherit Best Traits of

Lions and Tigers

Ligers are free of all the abnormalities and genetic defects. Photo courtesy of Siberian Tiger Park

A liger’s head is twice bigger than a lion or a tiger and it is as wide as the shoulders of a man. | Fact - 16

Ligers have a very huge-sized head which is almost twice bigger than the head sizes of lions and tigers respectively. According to the estimates, a liger's head is almost 700 millimeters wide which is also the widest of all the big cat species. Roughly; a liger's head is equal to the shoulders of a man. On the other hand; lions and tigers' heads are about 380 millimeters and 350 millimeters wide. The liger's head also had big pair of eyes, huge nose and big mouth as well. An ABC reporter while reporting liger revealed that even the liger's breathe was powerful enough.

Ligers have Bigger

Head Size Size of Head - Liger

700 millimeters Tigers & Lions Head

350 to 380 Millimeters Ligers' Head as Wide as

Men's Shoulders

A liger's head is twice the size of a tiger or lion's head. A size of a liger's head is roughly 700 millimeters wide. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

A liger has a bite force of more than 1000 pounds at the tip of its canines which is also twice more than the bite force of a lion or a tiger. | Fact - 17

The bigger mouth of a liger also means stronger jaw muscles and of course a stronger bite force. According to the National Geographic's program "The Super Cat", a liger can exert a bite force of 1000 pounds (at the tip of its canine) while lions and tigers can exert a bite force of around 400 to 450 pounds respectively. However; the liger's bite force is not the strongest one. There is another big cat whose bite force is even stronger than that of ligers and its name is jaguar. Jaguars possess a specialized skull and powerful arrangement of muscles which allow them to generate a bite force of more than 1100 pounds.

Ligers Possess

Stronger Bite Force Bite Force is Measured

Tip of Canines Ligers' Bite Force

1000 Pounds Lions & Tigers

400 Pounds

A liger possesses a huge bite force of around 1000 pounds at the tip of its canines. This bite force is double the bite force of a lion or a tiger. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

A liger may easily eat 100-150 pounds of meat in a single sitting. Ligers normally eat around 20 to 25 pounds of meat per day. | Fact - 18

Since; ligers are very huge, their food consumption is also massive. According to the liger experts, ligers are easily capable of eating around 100 pounds of a meat in a single sitting. However; as part of a balanced diet plan and restricting them from getting obese, ligers are given around 20 to 25 pounds of meat per day. Some big cat experts have also claimed to feeding them about 15 pounds of meat per day. The food consumption of ligers is also twice more than that of lions and tigers, who usually eat around 8 to 10 pounds of meat per day.

Ligers have Massive

Food Consumption Ligers can Eat

100 to 150 Pounds of Meat Ligers Usually Eat

20 to 25 Pounds Lions & Tigers

Eat 8 - 10 Pounds of Meat

Ligers are capable of eating 100 to 150 pounds of meat in a single sitting. However; in captivity they are given around 20 to 25 pounds of meat per day and to some sources about 15 pounds of meat per day. Photo courtesy of Tiger World

A liger usually consumes a gallon of water per day. | Fact - 19

Ligers also have a massive water consumption. Water also serves as an extremely important part of their healthy lifestyle. Ligers usually drink about one gallon of water per day which is also considered as the largest among all the big cats. Just like lions and tigers, ligers also drink a lot of water after completing their meals. According to one liger caretaker from a private zoo in Dubai, he gives them a break from the food once a week and only serves them water on that day as part of their healthy and balanced dietary lifestyle.

Ligers Drink

A lot of Water Daily Water Consumption

1 Gallon of Water Ligers Drink Water

After their Finishing Meal

Ligers usually drink around 1 gallon of water per day. Ligers just like lions and tigers in the wild preferably drink a lot of water after finishing their meals. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers love to swim. They are excellent swimmers and love to play while swimming. | Fact - 20

Ligers have a great motivation for swimming and they love to swim. Ligers have inherited their love for swimming from their mother i.e., the tigress. Lions on the other hand are usually vary of water along and they show a lot of reluctance for swimming. Ligers develop their love for swimming right from the early ages of their lives. It has been observed in many zoos and animal safari parks that ligers have been seen enjoying their time in water and also playing fight with other big cats while in water. Similarly; just like tigers, ligers also preferably like to sit in water during the hot summers as well.

Ligers are

Excellent Swimmers Ligers Love to

Swim in Water Ligers Inherited Swimming

From Tiger Side Ligers also

Play in Water During Hot Summers

Ligers Sit in Water Lions are Usually

Vary of Swimming

Picture of a liger swimming and playing at the Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina, USA. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Despite being the heaviest and biggest of all the big cats, ligers are very agile. Ligers are also the agilest of all the animals that weigh around 800 to 900 pounds. | Fact - 21

Even though ligers are twice bigger than lions and tigers and they carry huge weight on their bodies, yet still ligers are very active and agile. In fact; ligers are the most agile of all the animals who weigh around 800 to 1000 pounds. Just like the normal big cats in captivity, ligers love to run, play and even jump around their enclosures. They are always curious in knowing their surroundings and very actively respond to any situation. One of their favorite part have been to swiftly jump against the enclosure and try to grab meat from their caretakers. Ligers have often been observed extremely agile during their food schedules.

Ligers are

Very Agile At 900 Pounds

Ligers are Agilest Ligers Can

Sprint & Jump Ligers - Most Active

Lunch Time

Interestingly; ligers are simply the agilest of all the animals who weigh in between 900 to 1000 pounds. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers roar like lions and chuff like tigers. | Fact - 22

When it comes to roaring, ligers can roar like lions. Lions and tigers usually roar to let other big cats know that they are actually the boss of that particular area, so stay away. The same is true about ligers because roaring is also part of their territorial behavioral. Ligers also roar when they hear the roaring of other lions from the neighboring enclosures. Ligers may also have the loudest roar of all big cats and liger experts relate the roar of a liger like a jet plane flying right above your head. On the other hand; ligers also inherit the trait of chuffing from tigers. Whenever; they want to greet their keepers or caretakers, they produce a chuffing sound to welcome them.

Ligers Roar

Like Lions Ligers Chuff

Like Tigers Ligers' Roaring

Loudest of all Big Cats Ligers Chuff

To Greet their Visitors

Ligers roar like lions and chuff like tigers. Ligers roaring is perhaps the loudest of all the big cats. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

The ears of ligers resemble the ears of tigers. Their ears appear to be black (backside) with visible white spot of tiger ears on each pair of their ears. | Fact - 23

Ligers inherit the ears of tigers rather than the ears of lions. The color patterns of the ligers' ears are almost identical to that of the tigers' ears. For example, tigers have black ears (backside) with visible white spots on them (one white spot per ear). ligers also have black ears and those vivid white spots of tiger ears on their ears are clearly visible as well. Each ear of lions from the backside usually have black, tawny brown and slightly whitish spot. The size of the ligers' ears is also bigger than the ear sizes of lions and tigers' ears.

Ligers' Ears

Resemble Tiger Ears Pattern of Liger Ears

Identical to Tiger Ears Ligers' Ears' have

White Spots Like Tiger Ears Liger Ears are

Also Bigger than Lions & Tigers' Ears

The ears of tigers are almost identical to the ears of tigers. However; the size of the ligers' ears is much bigger than lions or tigers' ears. Photo courtesy of Chang Puak Camp

Ligers have also been witnessed purring like the house cats. | Fact - 24

Some liger caretakers have claimed that their ligers purred like a domestic house cat. Tim Stofel, who spent almost a decade with Hobbs the liger, claimed that Hobbs could surprisingly purr, a feature which is not associated with the big cats like lions and tigers. In 2019; the Daily Mail (DM) news also wrote about Apollo the liger which used to purr as a small cub. However; according to the big cat experts, tigers do purr as well but their purring only occurs as they breathe out. Tim Stofel and DM might well be referring to that kind of a purring from ligers. On the other hand; house cats purr as they breathe in as well as they breathe out. Purring is classified as a tonal fluttering and it explains pleasure, happiness as well as distress.

Ligers Also

Purr Like House Cats Tim Stofel's Liger

Hobbs Used to Purr Dailymail also Mentioned

About Liger Purring Big Cats can only Purr

Only When Breathing Out House Cats Purr while

Breathing In and Out Both

Ligers can also purr like housecats. However; they may only purr when breathing out unlike housecats who purr while breathing in and out both. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers have dark brown colored stripes which fade away with the passage of time but remain visible. | Fact - 25

Unlike; tigers which normally have black colored stripes, ligers always have dark brown colored stripes all over their body. These dark brown colored stripes are extremely dark at the time of birth and almost look like black. However; with the passage of time these stripes fade away and become dark brown on their tawny brown fur. Lastly; ligers are sometimes confused with the golden tabby tigers whose stripes also appear to be dark brown in color but on an orange-brown fur.

Liger Stripes' Color

Dark Brown Stripes Liger Stripes

Very Dark at Birth Liger Stripes

Fade as they Age Liger Stripes are

Identical to Golden Tabby Tigers

Ligers have dark brown colored stripes which are very dark at the time of birth but with the passage of time they fade away and become lighter. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers have more stripes as compared to tigers. Every liger has its own unique pattern of stripes. | Fact - 26

Ligers have more stripes on their fur as compared to the stripes of tigers. Two of the key factors which contribute to more numbers of stripes on ligers include 1. Closer occurrence of stripes and 2. Bigger size of ligers. The liger stripes exist a lot closer to one another because of which their fur displays more stripes. Lastly; each and every liger has its own unique set of stripes and no two ligers have same pattern of stripes. The stripes in tigers and ligers are like fingerprints and both can be uniquely recognized on the basis of these stripes as well.

Ligers have

More Stripes than Tigers Ligers - More Stripes

Closer Occurence Ligers - More Stripes

Big Body Size Each Liger has

Unique Set of Stripes Ligers' Stripes are Like

Fingerprints for Identification

Surprisingly; ligers have more numbers of stripes on their body as compared to tigers. Ligers' stripes are closed located from one another (compact) and secondly the huge size of ligers allow them to display more stripes. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers can be categorized into four key types i.e., ligers with mane, ligers without mane, white ligers and tiger lookalike ligers. | Fact - 27

Based upon their physical appearance, ligers can be classified into four key types or categories which include 1. Ligers with mane, 2. Ligers without mane (maneless), 3. White ligers and 4. Tiger lookalike ligers. Some male ligers inherit lions' mane around their neck while others don't, therefore; these two kinds of ligers are classified as mane and maneless (without mane) ligers. On the other hand; some ligers are born to white lion and white tigress and they are termed as the white ligers. The color of their fur is slightly light brown as compared to the original ligers. Lastly; some ligers look almost like tigers rather than lions. These ligers are classified as tiger lookalike ligers. So far; we have witnessed only one liger of this classification and the name of that liger was Rocky the liger.

Types of Ligers

4 Types of Ligers Ligers that have Mane

Called Maned Ligers Ligers without Mane

Called Maneless Ligers Ligers white parents

White Ligers Ligers resembling Tigers

Tiger-Lookalike Ligers

Ligers on the basis of their appearanced can be classified into four categories i.e., Maned Ligers, Maneless Ligers, White Ligers and Tiger-Lookalike Ligers. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

A liger can run at the speed of 40 to 50 miles per hour. This might well be the fastest speed for any mammal at 900 pounds. | Fact - 28

Even though ligers are the heaviest of all the big cats, ligers can still run very fast. According to the sources from Myrtle Beach Safari, ligers can run at a speed of 40 to 50 miles per hour. The safari park even showed its 900 pounds ligers running at the top speed of 40 to 50 miles per hour. The elongated body of the ligers, longer legs along with stronger muscles helps them to run at the speed of 40 to 50 miles per hour. At its full rhythm of sprinting, a liger's all four legs stay in the air at some instance to generate maximum forward momentum. On the other hand; both lions and tigers are also capable of running at 40 to 50 miles per hour.

Ligers can Run at

40 - 50 Miles per Hour Ligers are Fastest

Animals at 900 Pounds Ligers at Full Rhythm

Keep all 4 Legs in Air Lions and Tiger also

Run at 40 - 50 Miles per Hour

Ligers can run at the speed of around 40 to 50 miles per hour. This is the fastest speed for any animal that weighs more than 800 to 900 pounds. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

A liger can leap forward at about 25 to 30 feet in a single jump. | Fact - 29

The longer legs and stronger leg muscles of ligers not only help them to run very fast but also allow them to leap forward for about 25 to 30 feet long in a single jump. The ability of the ligers to jump this far also describes about the presence of an enormous strength within their hindlegs. In the wild, leaping forward and pouncing on any prey or object with a body weight of around 900 pounds will simply decimate it. Tigers on the other hand; are known to leap forward for about 40 feet long in a simple jump.

Ligers can Leap Forward

25 to 30 Feet Ligers have

Strong Hind-Legs Tigers can Leap Forward

40 Feet

Ligers can jump forward for about 25 to 30 feet long. Tigers can jump forward for about 40 feet in length. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers have unique facial markings which appear as spotted marks on their forehead. | Fact - 30

Previously; it was thought that ligers possess tigersâ€™ facial markings. Interestingly; ligers have spotted facial markings which are quite different to the facial markings of tigers. The facial markings of tigers appear in the form of linear lines on their forehead, whereas; the facial markings of ligers as mentioned earlier appear more like spots. These facial markings of ligers also do not match the facial markings of jaguars and leopards either. Surprisingly, the facial marking pattern of clouded leopards is much similar to the facial marking pattern of ligers.

Ligers have

Unique Facial Markings Ligers Facial Markings

Differ from Tigers Ligers Possess

Spotted Facial Markings Tigers Possess

Linear Facial Markings

Ligers' forehead has spotted facial markings which are different from the facial markings of tigers. Lions do not have any facial markings when they grow up. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers have more than 2 inches long claws which are the longest and most potent of all the big cats. | Fact - 31

Ligers possess retractable claws which are more than 2 inches long. These claws are biggest of all the big cats and they are twice bigger than the claws of lions and tigers. Ligers' two inches long claws along with muscle strength and heavier paws are capable of inflicting much more damage than the damage inflicted through the claws of lions and tigers. Dr. Bhagavan Antle from Myrtle Beach Safari equated claws of ligers to the Velociraptor dinosaurs.

Claws of Ligers

2 Inches Long Liger Claws

Twice Bigger than Lions & Tigers Liger Claws

Velociratpor Dinosaurs

The claws of ligers are almost 2 inches long and some liger experts equate them to the claws of Velociraptor dinosaurs. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

A liger’s tail possesses the rings of tiger's tail and the tuft of lion's tail at the tip. | Fact - 32

Interestingly; the tail of ligers possesses the traits of both lions and tigers. For an example; the ligers' tail possesses rings which make their tail like the tiger's tail. However; at the tip of their tail (at the end), ligers also possess tuft of hair which makes their tail looks like the lion's tail. Therefore; a liger's tail displays the blend of both tiger and lion' tails respectively. A liger's tail is also bigger in diameter as well as in length, when compared to lion's and tiger's tails respectively. However; among big cats the Snow Leopards have the biggest tail in proportion to their body sizes.

Liger's Tail

Blend of Lion & Tiger Liger's Tail Possesses

Rings of Tiger Liger's Tail Possesses

Tuft of Lions Liger's Tail is also

Bigger in Diameter

A liger's tail somehow possesses mix features of lions and tigers. For example the ligers' tail possesses rings of tiger's tail and at the end of it posssesses tuft of a lion. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers are very social and their social behavior suggests that they have inherited their social genes from lions. | Fact - 33

According to the liger experts, ligers love socializing not only with the other big cats but also with their caretakers. Male ligers in captivity tend to team up with their brother siblings or any other partner big cat who lives with them since childhood. They tend to care for other big cats and also maintain a strong bond with one another. In the big cat family; lions are perhaps the only big cats who socialize while others are classified as the solitary big cats. The hybridization of lion and tigress allows the ligers to inherit the socialization genes from its father i.e., lion.

Ligers are

Social Big Cats Male Ligers

Team up with Other Big Cats Ligers Inherit Socialization

From Lions (father) Tigers are

Solitary Big Cats

Just like lions, ligers also love to socialize with other big cats in captivity. Ligers inherit their socialization behavior from their father i.e., lions. Photo courtesy of Wynnewood Zoo

Some male ligers also have beautiful trimmed mane around their neck while others don't grow any mane at all. | Fact - 34

Some of the male ligers grow a beautiful trimmed mane around their neck. The presence of mane associates these male ligers closer to lions. Usually; ligers have brown or blonde colored mane around their neck. So far; no longer have been witnessed growing black mane around its neck. The mane around the male ligers also makes them look huge and gigantic from the head area. However; a liger's mane is not that bigger as the lion's mane. On the other; some male ligers do not grow any mane at all around their necks. Experts relate the mane of the ligers with an increased testosterone level too.

Male Ligers

Trimmed Mane Around Necks Ligers' Mane Color

Brown or Blonde Black Maned Liger

Never Been Witnessed Some Male Ligers

Do Not Grow Any Mane Ligers' Manes are

Smaller than Lions' Mane

Some male ligers have beautifully trimmed smaller mane around their necks. A liger's mane is smaller than a lion's mane. Photo courtesy of Wynnewood Zoo

Despite being very huge, ligers have a very mild personality and they are not as aggressive as the male lions. | Fact - 35

Ligers possess a rather mild personality trait rather than being highly aggressive. They are rather easier to tame as compared to the aggressive male lions in captivity. Male lions are considered as the most aggressive and territorial of all the big cats. Even though ligers are huge and biggest of all the big cats and at first impression they look fearsome, they relatively have a mild personality as compared to the male lions. According to the liger experts (Dr. Bhagavan Antle), ligers inherit their mild personality traits from their mothers i.e., tigresses.

Ligers' Personality

Mild Personality Ligers are

Least Aggressive Among Big Cats

Male Lions are Most Aggressive Ligers' Mild Personality

Inherited from Mothers

When it comes to personality and aggressiveness, ligers possess the mildest of personality. They are very easy going and much easier to tame as compared to lions and tigers. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Male ligers love to scent mark their enclosures and also scent mark anyone coming closer to their enclosures as well. | Fact - 36

Even within captivity, the male ligers are known to frequently scent mark their enclosures. All the big cats, especially the males scent mark their territories to let the other big cats know who is the boss in that particular area? Ligers may also scent mark anyone coming near their enclosure as a gesture of affection or greeting for them. According to one caretaker, a liger named as Levi from the G.W. Zoo in Wynnewood, scent-marked about 20 people at once, who were standing near its enclosure.

Male Ligers

Scent Mark their Enclosures Scent Marking

Reveals Territorial Behavior Ligers may also Scent Mark

Anyone Coming Closer to their Enclosures

Male ligers love to scent mark their enclosures to let other big cats know that this is their territory. The scent marking behavior of the liger reveals that ligers are highly territorial. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Just like lions and tigers, ligers also sleep or stay inactive for more than 20 hours per day. | Fact - 37

Ligers spend most of their time resting and sleeping throughout the day. Ligers have been observed to sleep (or stay inactive) more than 20 hours a day which is also on the level of par with the sleeping habits of both lions and tigers. Ligers and other big cats in captivity are mostly active during the feeding or mating times. Other than that, they preferably rest inside their enclosures by laying down or sleeping. In the wild, lions and tigers sleep or stay inactive for about 18 hours per day.

Ligers Spend Most of Time

Sleeping & Resting Ligers Sleep for

20 Hours Per Day Lions in Captivity

Also Sleep 20 Hours Per Day Tigers in Captivity

Also Sleep 20 Hours Per Day Ligers are Mostly Active

During Feeding Times

Ligers in captivity spend most of their time sleeping. Ligers just like lions and tigers sleep for more than 20 hours per day. Photo courtesy of Taman Safari Park

Ligers like all big cats also eat grass which keeps their stomach fit and healthy. | Fact - 38

Even though ligers are strictly carnivores, not many people are actually aware of this fact that ligers are also known to eat meager quantities of grass as well. According to one of the liger experts from the G.W. Zoo, eating grass acts like a Pepto-Bismol kind of a stuff for a liger. It helps them in digestion and its fiber contents actually cleanses the stomach of ligers. Eating grass should not be considered unusual for ligers because all the big cats also eat grass from time to time.

Ligers also Eat

Grass Ligers Eat Grass

For Stomach Health Other big Cats

Also Eat Grass Grass Lets Liger

Cleanse the Stomach

In order to keep their stomach healthy and stay in order, ligers also eat meager quantities of grass like other big cats. Grass also help ligers to cleanse their stomach. Photo courtesy of Wynnewood Zoo

Ligers in captivity dominate both lion and tiger. Both lions and tigers simply just back off even with the slightest of aggressions from ligers. | Fact - 39

Like all big cats, ligers tend to dominate their dominance over other big cats. Both lions and tigers respect the huge size of ligers and this is the key reason that ligers dominate them in captivity. If an enclosure is shared by a liger, tiger and lion, liger is definitely going to be the dominant one. According to the liger expert Dr. Bhagavan Antle, both lions and tigers immediately back off even with the slightest of aggressions from the ligers in captivity. Liger vs lion or tiger is like a heavyweight vs. the light weight wrestler or lion/tiger vs jaguar.

Ligers in Captivity

Dominate Lions & Tigers Lions & Tigers

Back-off Against Ligers Liger vs Lion/Tiger

Heavy Weight vs. Light Weight Liger vs Lion/Tiger

Lion/Tiger vs. Jaguar

Ligers in captivity easily dominate lions and tigers for their huge size and with slightest of aggressions. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

As of 2019 – 2020, there are more than 120 ligers in the world. This is also their highest known existence ever recorded. | Fact - 40

According to the recent estimates and statistics collected by ligerworld.com (confirmed individually), there are more than 120 ligers all over the world. This is also the all-time highest existence of ligers, since their origin in captivity about 2 centuries ago. Surprisingly; about a decade ago, there were about 15 to 20 ligers (some sources even quoting just 10 ligers) in the world and within the span of just 10 years the liger population climbed from 20 to 120 ligers.

Liger Population in 2020

120 Ligers Liger Population Confirmed

ligerworld.com Website A Decade Ago

20 Ligers Maximum Liger Population Today is

All Time Highest

Liger population in 2019 and 2020 has reached to more than 120 ligers. Ligerworld.com has individually verified all these numbers of ligers from various zoos all over the world. Photo courtesy of Wynnewood Zoo

At least 13 countries from five major continents (North America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Asia) have ligers. | Fact - 41

The numbers of countries with ligers have now reached to 13. This is the first time in the history of ligers that numbers of countries with ligers are now in double figures. The names of countries which have ligers include USA, China, Russia, Thailand, Argentina, Mexico, Italy, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Africa and South Korea. These 13 countries hail from 5 major continents of the world which include North America, Asia, Africa, South America and Europe. Previously; Germany, France, India, Libya, Japan, and England also had ligers in captivity.

NO. of Countries with Ligers

13 Countries 13 Countries from

5 Continents First Time in History

Countries with Ligers are in Double Figure

At least 13 countries in the world have ligers and it is the first time in history that the numbers of countries with ligers are in double figures. Some countries have only bred ligers a few years ago. Photo courtesy of Siberia Tiger Park

About 52 zoos (safari parks and animal sanctuaries etc. included) all over the world have ligers. Majority of these zoos are located in United States. | Fact - 42

A decade ago; the number of zoos with ligers were not more than 10. Today; the aggregate number of zoos with ligers for the first time have crossed the 50-digit mark in 2018-2019. The exact number of zoos with ligers are now 52 in 2019. More than 50 percent of these zoos are in United States while 25 percent exist both in China and Russia respectively. Please note that the private animal facilities have still not been included within these zoo numbers and there might be at least 5 to 10 more animal facilities all over the world with ligers.

NO. of Zoo with Ligers

52 Zoos with Ligers Most Liger Zoo are

In USA (50%) China & Russia

25% Liger Zoos

For the first time in history, there are more than 50 zoos in the world have have ligers. Most of these zoos are in United States of America. Photo courtesy of Liger Zoos

United States has the most numbers of ligers in the world. More than 50 ligers live in different zoos, safari parks and animal sanctuaries etc. in United States. | Fact - 43

Among all the countries; United States is the top country with maximum numbers of ligers. According to the estimates; there are more than 50 ligers in United States which all live at various zoos, animal safari parks and sanctuaries etc. This also makes USA as the major hub of the ligers and hybrid big cats in the world. Chances are there might be more ligers in USA which live in private facilities and for obvious reason they are obscure from the public domain. Lastly; from North America, only two countries i.e., USA and Mexico, have ligers.

United States

Top Country with Ligers USA has

50+ Ligers USA has

Most Numbers of Liger Zoos There Might be More Ligers

In Private Facilities (USA)

United States has the most and highest numbers of ligers in the world. More than 50 ligers are currently living at different zoos and animal safari parks of United States. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

The first ever liger in United States was born in 1948. The name of that first liger was Shasta the liger. | Fact - 44

On May 6, 1948; the first ever liger in United States was born. The name of that first US liger was Shasta. Shasta was the female liger and she was born at the Hogle Zoo located in Utah, USA. Shasta's parents Huey the Lion and Daisy the tigress, were living together since their birth which primarily was the reason for the ease of their successful mating. The birth of Shasta the liger created a huge buzz across the US media because she was not only the first liger in United States but also the rarest one.

1st Liger in USA

May 06, 1948 Location

Hogle Zoo, Utah Name of 1st Liger

Shasta the Liger Shasta was

Very Popular & Rarest

Shasta was the first ever liger that was born in USA. She was born on May 06, 1948 at Utah's Hogle Zoo. Photo courtesy of Hogle Zoo

The state of Florida in USA has the most numbers of zoos and safari parks with ligers. | Fact - 45

The state of Florida is the No. 1 state for ligers for accumulating most numbers of zoos (safari parks and sanctuaries included) with ligers. As many as 7 zoos across the state of Florida has ligers. These zoos include ZWF Miami, Jungle Island, McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Big Cat Habitat, The Care Foundation and Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary. It also means that if you are in Florida you have will have maximum opportunities of watching ligers at various zoos. Globally; there is no other state or even province in the world with this much numbers of zoos with ligers.

State of Florida

Most Zoos with Ligers No. of Zoos with Ligers

7 Zoos with Ligers No other State in the World

Has this much Zoos with Ligers In Floriday

Maximum Opportunities of Watching Ligers

The state of Florida is the top state not only in USA but also in the world to have maximum numbers of zoos with ligers. As many as 7 zoos in Florida have ligers. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Russia, Italy and Netherlands are the only three European countries with ligers. | Fact - 46

In Europe; the only three countries with ligers include Russia, Italy and Netherlands. Globally; Russia is at the third spot with 12 ligers. Italy has 2 ligers while Netherlands has only 1 liger. Italy and Netherlands only have ligers at the private circus shows. Previously; three European countries United Kingdom, Germany and France also had ligers. The last known liger in Germany died in 2006 at the age of 18 years.

Ligers in Europe

3 Countries European Countries with Ligers

Russia, Italy & Netherlands Italy & Netherlands

Ligers in Circus Last Liger in Germany

Died in 2006

Netherlands and Italy only have ligers within their circus shows. Photo courtesy of Liger Zoos

China is the top country in Asia for ligers. Other Asian countries with ligers include Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, South Korea and Taiwan. | Fact - 47

The Asian continent accumulates maximum number of countries with ligers. At least 7 countries from Asia have ligers. These countries include China, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, South Korea and Taiwan. China is at the top with maximum numbers of ligers in Asia. According to the estimates; there are as many as 24 ligers at 9 different zoos in China. Thailand is at the second spot with 8 to 10 ligers in at least 4 zoos.

Ligers in Asia

7 Countries with Ligers China has

24 Ligers Thailand has

10 Ligers

China is the top country in Asia to have ligers. As many as 24 ligers live in 9 zoos of China. Thailand is at the second spot with ligers. Photo courtesy of Liger Zoos

In China; the first ever litter of liger cubs was born in 2005. | Fact - 48

The Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and the Botanical Gardens was the first ever zoo from China to successfully crossbreed lion and tigress to produce liger cubs. Even though the first ever liger cubs in China were born in 2002 but the rearing of those liger cubs wasn't successful. Therefore; the first ever successfully reared liger cubs in China were born on 2nd May, 2005. Two ligers named as Pingping and Anan were born at that time. These ligers are still alive today and they are regarded as China's longest living ligers.

Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park

First Ever Ligers in China Names of Ligers

Pingping & Anan

The first ever successful litter of liger cubs was born in 2005 at China Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Gardens. Photo courtesy of Liger Zoos

The first ever litter of liger cubs in Russia was born in 2004. | Fact - 49

In 2004; two liger cubs were born in Russia which were also recognized as the first ever liger cubs of Russia. A Siberian tigress successfully mated with an African male lion and gave birth to two liger cubs. Both of those liger cubs were females and their names were Zita and Gita. One of the liger cubs (Zita) was later transferred to the Novosibirsk Zoo while the other liger cub (Gita) became part of some mobile circus in Russia. Both liger cubs were successfully reared to adulthood.

First Ever Ligers in Russia

Year 2004 Location of Liger Cubs

Novosibirsk, Russia Names of Liger Cubs

Zita & Gita Zita the Liger

Lived at Novosibirsk Zoo

The first ever liger cubs in Russia were born in 2004 and their names were Zita and Gita. Both of these liger cubs were the female ligers. Photo courtesy of Novosibirsk Zoo

In China you can even feed a live chicken to a liger at the Siberia Tiger Park located in Harbin city. | Fact - 50

At China's Siberia Tiger Park in Harbin, you can even feed an alive chicken to a liger and other big cats. Even though this practice looks quite bizarre but some visitors find it really exciting and they even pay extra for feeding a live chicken to ligers and other big cats. Apart from that you can also feed raw meat to ligers for some extra payment. Video evidence also shows that the zoo is also known to feed an alive cow or calf to its tigers as well.

In China you can

Feed a Live Chicken to Liger

In Chinese zoos, visitors can also feed meat to ligers. They can also serve live chicken to ligers as well. Photo courtesy of Liger Zoos

A tigress in China has given birth to 12 liger cubs in her entire lifespan which is also the world record for maximum births by a tigress to ligers. | Fact - 51

The world record for maximum numbers of liger cubsâ€™ birth goes to a Chinese tigress who gave birth to 12 liger cubs. Furthermore; no C-Section was needed for the birth of those liger cubs, as they were all born through normal delivery. The name of that tigress was Huan Huan who was a South Chinese tigress by species classification and she lived at the Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park. The first Chinese liger cubs i.e., Pingping and Anan, were also the offspring of Huan Huan the tigress.

Chinese Tigress

Gave Birth to Record Ligers No. of Liger Cubs' Births

12 Liger Cubs Name of Zoo

Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park Name of Tigress

Huan Huan China's First Ligers

Were Also Offspring of Huan Huan Tigress

A tigress in China has given birth to 12 liger cubs over the years which are record number of births by any tigress giving birth to ligers. Photo courtesy of Liger Zoos

Argentina is the only country from the South American continent to have ligers. | Fact - 52

In 2015, Argentina became the first South American country to successfully crossbreed a lion and a tigress to produce a liger cub. The Lujan Zoo, located in the suburbs of Argentine's capital Buenos Aires had the privilege to exhibit a female liger to the general public for the first time ever in Argentina and in South America. The name of at first liger from Argentina was Milli the ligress and she was born to an African lion and a Bengal tigress. Milli is still alive (as of 2019) today and doing well at the Lujan Zoo.

Liger in South America

Only Argentina has Ligers First Liger in Argentina

Year - 2005 Location of Zoo

Lujan Zoo, Buenos Aires Name of First Liger

Milli (Female Liger)

Argentina had its first liger in 2015 and it is the only country from the South American continent to have ligers at one of its zoo i.e., Lujan Zoo. Photo courtesy of Lujan Zoo

South Africa is the only country from the African continent to have ligers. | Fact - 53

In Africa, South Africa is the only country with ligers. South Africa also has a long history of ligers, as the country had ligers dating back to the mid of the 20th century. In 1939; South Africa's National Museum in Bloemfontein was also the first museum in the world to display the skeleton of a liger. Currently; the Natal Lion Park located in Pietermaritzburg city of South Africa is the country's only zoo with liger. Previously; Libya was another country from the African continent which had a single liger at its Tripoli Zoo but no information came about that liger after the Libyan civil war in 2011. This liger at Libya's Tripoli Zoo was actually born in Germany.

Liger in Africa

South Africa First Ever Liger in Africa

Year - 1939 Current Liger in South Africa

Natal Zoological Gardens No. of Ligers in South Africa

1 Liger

In Africa, South Africa has one liger at one of its zoos named as Natal Zoological Gardens. Photo courtesy of Sabina

The London Zoo in England was the first zoo in the world to display liger in an enclosure for the general public in 1924. | Fact - 54

In 1924, England's London Zoo had the privilege to be the first ever zoo in the world to exhibit a liger for the general public. The name of that liger was Ranji the liger who was almost a year-old male liger by the time it reached the zoo. Being rarest and most probably the only liger in the world at that time, Ranji fascinated many British newspapers to write about ligers. Ranji was in fact a gift to the London Zoo from the Indian Maharajah of Nawanagar named as Ranjitsinhji, who also played for the English cricket team.

London Zoo

First Liger Zoo Arrival of Liger

In 1924 from India Name of the Liger

Ranji the Liger Liger to London Zoo

Was a Gift from Mahrajah of Nawanagar

England's London Zoo was the first zoo ever to display a liger in its enclosures. The name of that liger was Ranji the liger who was one year old male liger and in fact a gift from the Nawab of Nawanagar. Photo courtesy of British Newspaper Archives (Fair Use Policy)

Taiwan is the only country in the world which has banned crossbreeding of lion and tigress to produce ligers. | Fact - 55

The only country in the world to put a ban on ligers is Taiwan. This controversial ban took place in 2010; when the country's first litter of 3 liger cubs was born at a private zoo in Taipei. The owner was slapped with a fine of $1500 (USD) and the liger cubs were confiscated from him at that time. Video evidence also showed that both lion and tigress were kept in small cage which had horrible conditions and the owner himself didn't know about the pregnancy of the tigress. One of the liger cubs from that litter is still alive today and lives at the Pingtung Rescue Center in Taiwan.

Taiwan has Banned

Breeding of Ligers Controversial Law was

Implemented in 2010 Zoo Owner was Fined

$1500 for Ligers Zoo Owner also kept

Lion and tigress in Horrible Conditions

Taiwan is the only country in the world which has banned breeding of ligers. The controversial law was implemented blindfoldly without legislation and taking into account any facts about ligers. Photo courtesy of Pingtung Rescue Centre

Currently; the world's biggest liger is Hercules the liger who weighs 922 pounds. | Fact - 56

A male liger named as Hercules is the biggest liger in the world weighing 922 pounds. Hercules has twice featured within Guinness World Records as the largest cat on earth (2006) and also the biggest liger weighing 922 pounds (2014). Hercules the liger lives at Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina, USA. Hercules the liger was born in 2003 and as of today he is almost 16 years old. Hercules the liger also has 3 more brothers of same age i.e., Vulcan, Sinbad and Zeus and a younger brother named as Aries the liger.

World's Biggest Liger

Hercules the Liger Hercules the Liger

Weighs 922 Pounds Hercules has

Twice Featured in Guinness World Records Hercules the Liger was

Born in 2003 Hercules has

4 more Brother Ligers

Currently; the biggest liger and biggest of all the big cats is Hercules the liger who weighs 922 pounds. Hercules the liger lives at Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina, USA and has 4 more liger brothers. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

The heaviest liger ever recorded was Nook the liger who weighed 550 Kg (1213 pounds). | Fact - 57

A liger named as Nook is still recognized as the heaviest liger ever recorded for weighing 550 Kg (1213 pounds). With this weight Nook was more than 300 pounds heavier than a normal weighing liger at 900 pounds. His female partner a Siberian tigress looked dwarf in front of Nook the liger. Many big cat experts classified Nook as an overweight obese big cat but it lived a normal life. Nook the liger lived at the Valley of the Kings Sanctuary & Retreat which is located in Wisconsin, USA.

World's Heaviest Liger

Nook the Liger Nook - Weight

550 Kg (1213 Pounds) Nook Looked Like

An Overweight Liger Nook the Liger Lived at

Valley of the Kings Sanctuary

The heaviest liger ever recorded was Nook the liger who weighed 550 Kg or 1213 Pounds. Nook was an overweight liger and he was about 300 pounds heavier than a normal liger. Photo courtesy of Valley of the Kings Sanctuary

A liger named as Hobbs is an all-time biggest (non-obese) liger in the world, who weighed 992 pounds. | Fact - 58

Hobbs the liger weighing at 992 pounds is recognized as an all-time biggest (non-obese) liger ever. Apart from its weight of 992 pounds, according to his caretaker Hobbs was almost 12 feet long in length. Hobbs also had a beautiful mane like a lion around his neck which made him look very huge. Hobbs was also recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest living cat on earth. Hobbs lived at the Sierra Safari Zoo which is located in Reno, Nevada, USA.

All Time Biggest Liger

Hobbs the Liger Weight of Hobbs

992 Pounds Hobbs also had a

Mane Around his Neck Hobbs Lived at

Sierra Safari Zoo

Hobbs is regarded as an all time biggest liger weighing more than 992 pounds. Hobbs the liger lived at Sierra Safari Zoo. Photo courtesy of Liger Zoos

Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina, USA is the most famous liger zoo (safari park) in the world. | Fact - 59

The most famous zoo for ligers is undoubtedly, the Myrtle Beach Safari. This safari park is located at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA and it is indeed the biggest research center for ligers in the world. Over the years, Myrtle Beach Safari has been highlighted many times within mainstream media for having ligers. Ligers from Myrtle Beach Safari have also featured in National Geographic's program Super Cat. Furthermore; other mainstream media channels such as CNN and Discovery Channels have also featured ligers from the Myrtle Beach Safari. World's biggest liger i.e., Hercules the liger also lives at the Myrtle Beach Safari.

Myrtle Beach Safari

Most Famous for Ligers Myrtle Beach Safari

Highlighted for Ligers in Media Ligers from Myrtle Beach Safari

Appeared in CNN, Nat Geo & Discovery Location

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA Myrtle Beach Safari also has

Hercules the Liger

Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina, USA is the most famous liger safari park in the world. Over the years it has been highlighted within mainstream media on many occasions. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Myrtle Beach Safari also holds the world record for consistently rearing ligers, since late 1980s. | Fact - 60

To its biggest credit about ligers, Myrtle Beach Safari has been consistently rearing ligers for almost 33 years now. This is the longest and consistent rearing of ligers in the history and no other zoo in the world has reared ligers for this much interval of time. People have witnessed ligers at Myrtle Beach Safari in late 1980s, throughout 1990s (Samson & Sudan), 2000s (Hercules & his brothers) and 2010s (Hercules and White Ligers). Over the span of these 33 years; Myrtle Beach Safari has introduced at least 11 fully matured ligers, some of which have also featured within mainstream media.

Myrtle Beach Safari

Rearing Ligers Since 1988 1980s - 1900s

Ligers - Samson & Sudan Throughout 2000s

Ligers - Hercules, Aries Vulcan, Zeus & Sinbad Myrtle Beach Safari

Longest Streak for Ligers

Myrtle Beach Safari has been rearing ligers since late 1980s. This is the longest tenure for any zoo to rear ligers for this much consistently. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Myrtle Beach Safari is also commended for displaying the world's first and only real-time comparison of a fully-grown liger with a tiger and a lion. | Fact - 61

Another feather in the hat for Myrtle Beach Safari is that they are the first and only reserve in the world to demonstrate the real-time comparison of a fully-grown liger with a tiger and a lion. Furthermore; this comparison has been demonstrated in open lawn without any barriers of enclosure. In the comparison, the liger really dwarfed both lion and tiger respectively in all aspects i.e., weight, height, length and skull size etc. In early 2000s; Myrtle Beach Safari has also made comparison of a male lion and a male liger too. At that time Samson the liger met his father Arthur the lion.

Myrtle Beach Safari

Real Comparison of Liger vs Tiger Liger vs Tiger Comparison

450 lbs Tiger Looked Dwarf Myrtle Beach Safari also made

Real Time Comparison of Liger vs Lion Arthur the Lion

Met his Liger Sun Samson

Myrtle Beach Safari is the only animal safari in the world which had made a head to head comparison of a tiger and a liger. A 450 pounds liger really looked like a dwarf in front of a 900 pounds liger. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

The world's first litter of white liger cubs was also born at Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina, USA. | Fact - 62

The first ever litter of four white liger cubs was also born at the Myrtle Beach Safari in December, 2013. These white liger cubs from Myrtle Beach Safari were also featured within Guinness World Records as well. A white liger is a liger that has a male white lion as its father and white tigress as its mother. White ligers are even further rarer than the normal ligers and there are only four of them in the world. White ligers as compared to the normal ligers have light brown or an off-white colored fur and they are not as white as the white tigers and white lions.

Myrtle Beach Safari

World's First White Ligers Total White Ligers

4 White Ligers White Ligers' Parents

White Lion & White Tigress White Ligers' Fur

Light Brown or Creamish Fur White Ligers

Appeared in Guinness World Records

Myrtle Beach Safari has also bred the world's first litter of white liger cubs whose parents were white lion and white tigress. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Currently; Dr. Bhagavan Antle from Myrtle Beach Safari has the maximum exposure and knowledge of ligers. He has been breeding ligers since 1988. | Fact - 63

Dr. Bhagavan Antle is the biggest name associated with ligers in the recent era. He is the biggest expert of ligers and has been breeding ligers since 1988 at his animal safari park i.e., Myrtle Beach Safari. He is also the director of the Myrtle Beach Safari. Over the years he has revealed unbelievable facts about ligers and majority of this article's facts have also been revealed by him. He has also featured with his ligers at various mainstream media channels such as National Geographic, Discovery Chanel, CNN and NBC etc. He has also appeared within Guinness Book of World Records along with his ligers. During 1990s; he surprised the world with his huge ligers named as Samson and Sudan and throughout 2000s his ligers Hercules, Zeus, Sinbad and Vulcan was the attention of the people all over the world. In 2010s his white ligers truly fascinated the whole world.

Dr. Bhagavan Antle

Biggest Expert of Ligers Associated with Ligers

Since 1988 His Famous Ligers

Hercules, Samson & Hobbs Dr. Bhagavan Antle

Director - Myrtle Beach Safari Dr. Bhagavan Antle

Revealed Maximum Facts about Ligers

Currently; Dr. Bhagavan Antle from Myrtle Beach Safari South Carolina, USA has maximum exposure and knowledge about ligers. He has been raising ligers since 1988. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

In Thailand, you can touch, sit and even hug a fully-grown adult liger. | Fact - 64

It only happens in Thailand, where you can not only touch but also sit and even hug a fully-grown adult liger. Thailand's Hua Hin Zoo and Chang Puak Park are both famous for such adventures of having a real time interaction with an adult liger. Even some tourists have been seen sitting on the back of an adult liger. Critics believe that those ligers and many other tigers are being sedated and that's why they tolerate the presence of the visitors around them. However; the zoo authorities strongly dismiss such claims and stress the fact that their ligers have been tamed to behave this way.

In Thailand you can

Touch, Hug or Sit on Ligers Famous Zoos of Thailand

Huahin Zoo & Chang Puak Camp Thailand Ligers are

Tamed to Act Tolerance This Adventure

Looks Risky

Only in Thailand; you can even touch, hug and sit on a fully grown liger. Thailand's Hua Hin Zoo and Chang Puak Camp are most famous in this regard. Photo courtesy of Huahin Zoo

A liger named as Rocky is the only liger who has (unfortunately) claimed the life of its keeper in 2009. | Fact - 65

In 2009; a very unfortunate and sad event took place at Oklahoma USA, when a liger named as Rocky claimed the life of its keeper named as Peter Getz. Despite the zoo's clear protocol of not going inside the cage of the big cats, Peter Getz still went inside. Rocky who was having meal at that time and suddendly and unpredictably he became protective and mauled Peter Getz, who despite being rescued died at the hospital because of serious injuries. This is the only incident of a human casuality from a liger.

In 2010

A Liger Killed its Keeper Name of Liger

Rocky the Liger Name of Victim

Peter Getz Victim Entered Liger Enclosure

While Liger was Eating Victim Died at Hospital

Because of Serious Injuries

In 2009; a liger named as Rocky attacked and killed its keeper named as Peter Getz, who entered his enclosure while liger was having a meal . Photo courtesy of Safari Sanctuary

Ligers are the only hybrid big cats who have featured within Guinness Book of World Records for at least 4 times. | Fact - 66

The Guinness World Records has lauded and commended ligers for at least 4 times on various occasions. Apart from ligers, no other hybrid big cat has ever featured within Guinness Book of World Records. Ligers first appeared in Guinness Book of World Records in 1973, when the book reported a liger from South Africa's Bloemfontein Zoo. In 2006's Guinness Book of World Records, ligers were declared as the largest big cat hybrids while in 2013; Hercules the liger was declared as the largest living cat on planet earth. Lastly; in 2014, the birth of the white liger cubs born to the white lion and white tigress also made it to the official publication of Guinness World Records.

Guinness World Records

Ligers - 4 Times Ligers - 1st Time

1973 - South African Liger Ligers - 2nd Time

2006 - Largest Big Cat Hybrids Ligers - 3rd Time

2013 - Hercules as Biggest Cat Ligers - 4th Time

2014 - White Liger Cubs

Ligers have four times appeared within Guinness Book of World Records and no other big cat hybrid has featured this much within Guinness World Records. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

In liger’s history; Shasta the liger is still the longest living liger who lived for 24 years. | Fact - 67

A female liger named as Shasta from USA lived for 24 years and is proudly recognized as the longest living liger in liger's history. Shasta the liger was born in 1948 and died in 1972. At her birth; Shasta was cheered as the first ever liger in United States while at death she was the only liger in USA. Shasta the liger lived at Utah's Hogle Zoo. She was the only big cat in her enclosure. After her death her body was preserved and her taxidermy is still present at the Bean Museum in Utah, USA.

Shasta the Liger

Longest Living Liger Shasta Lived for

Record 24 Years Life of Shasta

1948 to 1972 Shasta's Taxidermy

Bean Museum Shasta the Liger

Lived Alone in Enclosure

Among all the ligers, Shasta the liger holds the world record for the longest living liger. Shasta the liger lived for 24 years. Photo courtesy of Bean Museum

Nook the heaviest liger is the longest living male liger in liger’s history. Nook the liger lived for 21 years. | Fact - 68

A liger named as Nook from USA is also recognized as the longest living male liger in liger’s history. Nook the liger was born in 1988 and died of cancer in 2009. Nook as mentioned earlier still holds the world record of the heaviest liger in the history of big cats. Therefore; Nook holds two records 1. The longest living male liger 2. The heaviest liger in the history of ligers. Despite the fact that Nook was too heavy and used to sit most of the time, his life of 21 years is rather a big surprise for the big cat researchers.

Nook the Liger

Longest Living Male Liger Age of Nook the Liger

21 Years Nook was also

The Heaviest Liger

Among male ligers; Nook is the longest living liger who lived for 21 years. No other male liger has been reported to live this much longer. Photo courtesy of Valley of the Kings Sanctuary

Female ligers are fully fertile and they can successfully mate with male lions and male tigers to produce Li-Ligers and Ti-Ligers respectively. | Fact - 69

The most important fact about ligers is that the female ligers are fertile. Female ligers can successfully crossbreed with either male lions or male tigers to produce viable offspring which are called Li-Liger and Ti-Ligers respectively. The offspring produced by the female ligers are also known as the second-generation liger hybrids. Therefore; both Li-Ligers and Ti-Ligers are also classified as the second-generation liger hybrids. According to the estimates from 2010 to 2019; record numbers of female ligers have given births to Li-Ligers and Ti-Ligers in the history ligers.

Female Ligers

Fully Fertile Female Ligers Produce

Li-Ligers & Ti-Ligers Li-Liger

Male Lion & Ligress Ti-Liger

Male Tiger & Ligress 2010 to 2019

Record No. of Ligress Births

Female ligers are always fertile and they can successfully mate with male lions and tigers to produce liliger and tiliger offspring. Photo courtesy of Nobosibirsk Zoo

Normally; the female ligers are ready to mate from 4 years and onwards. | Fact - 70

Just like tigresses and lionesses, the female ligers can start breeding at the age of 4 years. They can continue to breed till the age of 15 years, however; after the age of 11 years the fertility and egg production in female ligers, tigresses and lionesses significantly drops. Furthermore; female ligers are capable of breeding every year as a female liger from China gave birth on consecutive years. A Russian female liger named as Zita successfully mated with a male lion at the age of 8 years to produce liliger cubs in 2012. She again gave birth to another litter of liliger cubs in 2013 at the age of 9 years.

Female Ligers Start Breeding

From 4 Years Female Ligers can Breed

Till 15 Years Female Ligers can Breed

Every Year

Female ligers can start breeding from the age of four till the age of 15. However; from 4 to 11 they have more chances of successfully mating with male lions and tigers. Photo courtesy of Nobosibirsk Zoo

The world’s first Li-Liger cub was born at the Novosibirsk Zoo in Russia in 2012. | Fact - 71

In 2012; the world's first Li-liger cub was born at the Novosibirsk Zoo in Russia. A female liger named as Zita gave birth to a single female Li-Liger who was named Kiara by the zoo authorities. Then in the subsequent year, Zita again gave birth to a litter of 3 Li-Liger cubs in 2013. However; another source (Wild Cats of the World, 1975) claim that the world's first liliger was born in 1943 at Germany's Hellabrunn Zoo. The source also claims that it was a female Li-liger and it successfully grew up as an adult. Apart from that there is no further description about that liliger.

World's First LiLiger

Born in 2012 Location

Novosibirsk Zoo, Russia Number of Liligers

1 Liliger in 1st Litter Gender of Liliger

Female Liliger Name of Liliger

Kiara the Liliger

The world's first Liliger cub was born at Novosibirsk Zoo in Russia in 2012. The name of that Liliger cub was Kiara. Photo courtesy of Nobosibirsk Zoo

The world's first Ti-Liger was born in 2007 at the Wynnewood Zook in Oklahoma, USA. | Fact - 72

The world's first Ti-Liger was successfully born and reared at the Wynnewood Zoo in 2007. The zoo at that time (2007) was known as G.W. Zoo or the Garold Wayne Zoo. The zoo's director "Joe Exotic"; claimed in 2013, that six years ago he put a tiger and a ligress together in an enclosure and the ligress gave birth to the world's first tiliger cub. In 2009, another Ti-Liger named as Radar the Ti-Liger was rescued and brought to the Tigerworld animal sanctuary located at North Carolina, USA.

World's First Tiliger

Born in 2007 Location

Wynnewood Zook, Oklahoma, USA In 2009

Radar the Ti-Liger was Born Radar the Ti-Liger

Lives at Tigerworld Tigerworld is an

Animal Sanctuary in North Carolina

The world's first Ti-Liger (born in 2007) still lives at the Wynnewood Zoo at Oklahoma USA. Photo courtesy of Wynnewood Zoo

The world's first male Li-Liger cub was also born at the Wynnewood Zoo in 2017. | Fact - 73

In 2017; Wynnewood Zoo again made big headlines, when one of their female ligers successfully gave birth to the world's first male Li-liger. Two Li-Ligers cubs, one male and one female were born at that time and they weighed about 3.6 pounds with a length of almost 11.5 inches long. The name of the world's first male Li-Liger was Boco. Apart from that recently in 2019; one male Li-Liger has been recently reported at the Red River Safari in Oklahoma, USA while another one has been reported at the Care Foundation in Florida, USA.

1st Male Liliger

Born in 2017 Location

Wynnewood Zook, Oklahoma, USA Numbers of Male Liligers

1 male & 1 Female Size of Liliger cubs

3.6 Pounds & 11.5 inches Long

The world's first male liliger was also born at the Wynnewood Zoo in Oklahoma, USA. Photo courtesy of Wynnewood Zoo

Surprisingly; Li-Ligers (unlike their parents) have rosettes (spots) of leopards and jaguars on their tawny brown colored fur. | Fact - 74

The most mysterious fact about Li-Ligers is that their fur at birth and even in adulthood have rosettes of leopards and jaguars. Neither lions nor tigers have rosettes. Lions do have spots when they are born but the Li-Ligers' rosettes are very different to lions' spots when they are young. As the liligers get old these rosettes tend to fade away but not entirely and remain clearly visible. Ti-Ligers on the other hand are rather similar to tigers and have stripes.

Liligers have

Rosettes of on their Fur Rosettes of Liligers

Resemble Leopards & Jaguars Liligers' Parents

No Rosettes Liligers' Rosettes

Fade Away with Time

Liligers have rosettes of leopards and jaguars. Lions, tigers and ligers don't have any rosettes at all. Photo courtesy of Wynnewood Zoo

Both Li-Ligers and Ti-Ligers become bigger than lions and tigers but they don’t get as big as ligers. | Fact - 75

Both Li-Ligers and Ti-Ligers have the potential to outweigh and outsize lions and tigers. Yet still neither of them fails to surpass the weight and size of ligers. Tigerworld animal sanctuary at North Carolina, USA is the only place, where you can witness a liger and tiliger together. Both of them are of same age and in terms of their sizes, the liger named as Wayne truly outsizes and outweighs Radar the Ti-Liger. On the other hand; the Wynnewood Zoo's Ti-Liger in enclosure was much bigger than a tiger. Both Li-Ligers and Ti-Ligers weigh around 700 to 800 pounds while ligers weigh 800 to 900 pounds.

Liligers & Tiligers

Bigger than Lions & Tigers Liligers & Tiligers

Smaller than Ligers Liligers & Tiligers

Weigh 700 to 800 Pounds Ligers Weigh

800 to 900 Pounds

Tiligers are much bigger than tigers but they are smaller than lions. In the picture one can see a tiliger outweighing a tiger. Photo courtesy of Wynnewood Zoo

In addition to ligers, countries with Li-Ligers or Ti-Ligers (either one of them) include Russia, USA, China, and Argentina. | Fact - 76

The Li-Ligers and Ti-Ligers are even more rare than ligers. Only four countries in the world have them which include USA, Russia, China and Argentina. China had its first litter of Li-Ligers in 2019 at the Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park while Argentina had its first litter of Ti-ligers in 2017 at the Lujan Zoo located in suburbs of Buenos Aires. According to the estimates there are as many as 20 Li-ligers and Ti-Ligers (aggregate) in the world.

Countries with Liligers

Russia, USA & China Countries with Tiligers

USA & Argentina Liligers & Tiligers

20 in Total Tiligers in Argentina

In 2017 @ Lujan Zoo

Argentina had its first litter of tiliger cubs in 2017. At that time a female liger named as Milli gave birth to 3 tiliger cubs at the famous Lujan Zoo in suburbs of Buenos Aires. Photo courtesy of Lujan Zoo

Both Li-Ligers and Ti-Ligers are fertile and they successfully crossbreed with male lions and tigers to produce Li3-ligers and Ti3-Ligers or the third-generation liger hybrids. | Fact - 77

Just like the female ligers both female Li-ligers and Ti-Ligers have successfully given births to Li3-Ligers and Ti3-Ligers. A Li3-Liger has a male lion as its father and a female Li-Liger as its mother, whereas; a Ti3-Liger has male tiger as its father and female Ti-Liger as its mother. Both Li3-Ligers and Ti3-Ligers are also classified as the third generation of liger hybrids. The world's first Ti3-Ligers were born in 2019 and the world's first Li3-ligers were born in 2017 at the Wynnewood Zoo. Surprisingly; the recently born Ti3-Ligers born at the Wynnewood Zoo were the white Ti3-Ligers.

World's First Ti3-Ligers

Were Born in 2019 World's First Ti3-Ligers

Were White Ti3-Ligers World's First Li3-Ligers

Born in 2017 Location

Wynnewood Zoo, Oklahoma, USA

The world's first Ti3-Ligers were born at the Wynnewood Zoo in Oklahoma USA. A Ti3-Liger has a male tiger as its father and a female tiliger as its mother. Photo courtesy of Red River Safari

Wynnewood Zoo in USA is the only zoo in the world to have ligers, tigons, ti-ligers, li-ligers and even ti3-ligers and li3-ligers. | Fact - 78

Wynnewood Zoo which is located in Oklahoma, USA is the only zoo in the world with greatest collection and variation of the hybrid big cats chiefly from the lion and tiger hybridization. The zoo has ligers, tigons, li-ligers, ti-ligers, li3-liger and ti3-ligers. No other zoo in the world has this much variation of lion/tiger hybridization collection as the Wynnewood Zoo does! The zoo is also one of the leading sources of the big cat hybridization knowledge in the world.

Wynnewood Zoo

Most Variants of Hybrid Big Cats Wynnewood Zoo has

Ligers & Tigons Wynnewood Zoo has

Ligers & Tiligers Wynnewood Zoo has

Li3-Ligers & Ti3-Ligers

Wynnewood Zoo in Oklahoma, USA has ligers, tiligers, liligers and tigons. Photo courtesy of Wynnewood Zoo

Male ligers have never successfully mated with female ligers, tigress and lionesses which makes them sterile. | Fact - 79

Male ligers have never successfully mated with ligresses, tigresses or lionesses. Despite the fact that male ligers have been put with tigresses and ligresses, so far; they have failed to produce any offspring yet. Their failure to produce any offspring have led the biologists to conclude that male ligers are usually sterile. However; according to the liger expert Dr. Bhgavan Antle, male ligers can also potentially produce an offspring.

Male Ligers Never

Successfully Mated Male Ligers are

Thought to be Sterile Dr. Bhagavan Antle

Male Ligers can Reproduce

Male ligers are thought to be sterile because of their failure to successfully breed with ligresses, lionesses or tigresses. Photo courtesy of Taman Safari

Male ligers are sexually very active and they have been witnessed frequently mating with their female partners i.e., ligresses and tigresses etc. | Fact - 80

Despite being labeled as sterile, the male ligers have been witnessed sexually very active. They have been seen frequently mating with their female partners within their shared enclosures. Active sexuality within male ligers indicates that their testosterone levels are also very high. A liger named as Vulcan has been photographed mating with its female companion, a Bengal tigress at the Jungle Island, in Miami, Florida, USA.

Male Ligers are

Sexually Active Male Ligers

Have Strong Urge of Mating Vulcan the Liger

Seen Mating with a Tigress Male Ligers have

High Testosterone Levels

Male ligers are sexually very active and they have been witnessed on many occasion mating with their female partner within their enclosures. Photo courtesy of Jungle Island

Ligers have comprehensively featured within National Geographic's documentary “Super Cat”. | Fact - 81

In National Geographic's documentary "Super Cat", ligers were comprehensively featured and compared with all the other big cats. The documentary also concluded that in terms of massiveness, body strength and biteforce ligers are living-breathing super cats. However; the documentary also questioned whether the bigger size always the better one in the wild? Hercules the liger from Myrtle Beach Safari, South Carolina USA had the honor to feature in that documentary and it is one of the most comprehensive documentaries about ligers.

Ligers in National Geographic

Super Cat Documentary Ligers were Declared

Supercats for Strength & Size Hercules the Liger

Featured in that Documentary Super Cat is the

Most Comprehensive Documentary about Ligers

Ligers have comprehensively featured within National Geographic's Documentary "Super Cat". Ligers are in fact declared as super cats in that documentary for their size and strength. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Liger cubs at the time of birth are of same size as the size of the tiger cubs. | Fact - 82

Both liger cubs and tiger cubs are of same size and weight at the time of birth. According to sources from Myrtle Beach Safari; the liger cubs at the time of birth are roughly 2 to 3 pounds in weight while tiger cubs also fall in same weighing range. Both liger cubs and tiger cubs are about 11.5 inches long at the time of birth. However; after the birth, the liger cubs experience growth spurt and they grow much faster than the lion cubs or tiger cubs. At 2 months old, a liger cub weighs almost 16 pounds while at same age a tiger cub weighs around 9 pounds in weight.

Liger Cubs & Tiger Cubs

Same Weight & Size Liger Cubs Weigh

2 to 3 Pounds Tiger Cubs Weigh

Also 2 to 3 Pounds Liger Cubs after Birth

Grow Faster than Lion/Tiger Cubs

Liger cubs at the time of birth are of same size and weight as the tiger cub. Liger cubs weigh around 2 to 3 pounds at birth. Photo courtesy of Wynnewood Zoo

A liger cub at birth can be recognized with their visible dark colored stripes with tawny brown colored fur. | Fact - 83

At the time of their birth the most dominant features of liger cubs include dark stripes on their tawny brown colored fur. Tiger cubs have dark stripes on orange stripes. Earliest breeders of ligers during the 18th century related the head of the liger cubs as that of the lion cubs while rest of the body was related with stripes of the tiger. Both liger cubs and lion cubs have spotted marks on the foreheads. Liger cubs maintain their spotted marks while lions spotted marks fade away as they grow older. Tiger cubs also have spotted marks but they are rather linear.

Liger Cubs are Recognized

By Facial Markings & Stripes Liger Cubs' Stripes

Very Dark Liger Cubs' Facial Marking

Spotted

At the time of birth, the liger cubs can be recognized by their stripes on brown fur and spotted facial markings of lion cubs. Photo courtesy of Liger Zoos

The first biggest known litter of the liger cubs can be traced back in 1992, when a tigress in USA gave birth to Quintuplet liger cubs. Hobbs the biggest of all ligers was one of them. | Fact - 84

The world's biggest litter of the liger cubs includes a total of 5 liger cubs (Quintuplets). No other tigress has given birth to more than 5 liger cubs so far on a single occasion. It happened in 1992, when somewhere in Indiana a tigress gave birth to 5 liger cubs. Similarly; in 2012, a tigress from China's Rongcheng city at the Nature Reserve zoo also gave birth to the Quintuplet liger cubs.

Biggest Litter of Liger Cubs

Quntuplet Ligers (5 Liger Cubs) Quintuplet Litters

Happened Twice 1st Quintuplet Liger Cubs

1992 in USA 2nd Quintuplet Liger Cubs

2012 in China

The quintuplet liger cubs in China (2012 and USA (1992) is still the maximum numbers of liger cubs' birth by a tigress as single litter. Photo courtesy of China Daily News

Ligers keep on growing for longer period of time as compared to lions and tigers. | Fact - 85

Ligers not only have the faster growth rate as compared to lions and tigers but their growing years are also longer than lions and tigers. Lions and tigers grow till the age of 4 years but ligers keep on growing till 6 years and sometimes little more. Some liger experts claim that ligers keep on growing all their lives which is rather controversial because if they keep on growing all their lives then why ligers lose weight after surpassing their prime? And why they don't grow pass 12 feet long body length?

Ligers Grow for

6 Years Ligers' have more

Growing years Lions & Tigers

Grow for 4 Years Ligers Do Not

Grow All Their Lives

Ligers continue to grow till the age of six years while lions and tigers usually grow till the age of four years. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers’ reciprocal hybrid cousins are the tigons who are not as big as ligers but they do grow up to the same size as that of lions and tigers. | Fact - 86

If father is a tiger and mother is a lioness, the offspring is called Tigon. Tigons are the reciprocal hybrid cousins of ligers. However; they do not grow as big as ligers but they do grow equal to lions and tigers (400 to 500 pounds). The tigons' stripes are pretty much darker than the stripes of the ligers and their fur is rather orange-brown in color as compared to the tawny brown colored fur of the ligers. Previously; it was thought that tigons are dwarfs but this is not true at all.

Tigers are

Ligers' Reciprocal Cousins Tigers are

Smaller than Ligers Tigons can Grow

Equal to Lions & Tigers Tigers are

Not Dwarfs

Tigons are not dwarf as they can grow as big as lions and tigers. However; tigons remain smaller than ligers. Photo courtesy of Peter Russel

Kate Winslet and Jay Leno are one of the most famous names who has interacted with ligers on a live TV show. | Fact - 87

Kate Winslet; the Oscar winning actor and one of the biggest names of Hollywood has personally interacted with ligers in 1999 on the live TV show of Jay Leno. Kate Winslet was so much overwhelmed by that gigantic 900 pounds appearance of the liger that she quickly hopped at the back of her sofa as soon as she saw the liger. Jay Leno himself fed a bottle of milk to the liger under the supervision of Dr. Bhagavan Antle. A male liger named as Samson from the Myrtle Beach Safari was brought to the Jay Leno show in 1999.

Celebrities have also

Engaged with Ligers Kate Winslet

Interacted with Liger Jay Leno

Fed Milk to Liger Kate Winslet

Hid Behind Sofa After Watching Liger

Tigons are not dwarf as they can grow as big as lions and tigers. However; tigons remain smaller than ligers. Photo courtesy of NBC Broadcasting

Kate Winslet interacted with liger and tiger cubs at 1999's Jay Leno show. She felt very excited to meet the big cats from Myrtle Beach Safari. Photo courtesy of Maggie (Fair-Use Policy & Link Attribution Given).

Currently; all ligers are born in captivity and there are no ligers living in the wild. | Fact - 88

Ligers all over the world are born and live in captivity while no verified account of the wild liger has so far been reported. The existence of the wild ligers requires an area or habitat, where lions and tigers live together. People do say that India's Gir forest is the place, where lions and tigers co-habitat together. But in reality, this is not co-habitation because both lions and tigers are separated far away within the Gir forest which diminishes the chances of crossbreeding and real-life encounter.

All Ligers are

Born in Captivity No Wild Liger has

Ever Been Reported For a Wild Liger

Lion & Tiger Shared Territory Needed

Currently; all ligers live in captive as captive breeding program. So far; there has never been any evidence of a liger in the wild. Photo courtesy of Jungle Island

Previously; wild ligers have possibly existed, when the population of the wild lions and tigers was in abundance at their co-habited areas. | Fact - 89

Many researchers believe that wild ligers have previously existed in the wild, when the population of the lions and tigers was in abundance at their co-habited areas. In 1980's book "The Tiger, Symbol of Freedom" Milne specifically mentioned in Chapter 3 that according to some reports tigers under exceptional circumstances could trespass into Asiatic lions' territories (vice versa) and even mated with them to produce ligers and tigons. According to Robert Johnson from Myrtle Beach Safari, lions and tigers had previously cohabited in many countries of the world such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Nepal, Armenia, Bhutan and Soviet Georgia.

Wild Ligers have

Previously Existed Before No Wild Liger has

Ever Been Reported Book which Mentioned Wild Liger

The Tiger; Symbol of Freedom Robert Johnson

Lions & Tigers Co-habited for Years Asiatic Lion & Tigers

Mated to Produce Ligers & Tigons

Ligers have possibly existed in the wild as there were many countries which had areas that were shared with lions and tigers. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Ligers have a huge potential to survive in the wild by relying heavily on their physical strength and power. | Fact - 90

The physical strength and power of the ligers are enough to make them huge contenders to survive in the wild. At this power and size, ligers can easily hunt buffalo or even hippopotamus. They have enough speed to chase such huge animals by a suitable ambush. Furthermore; at this size, there will be no challenger to a liger. Even a coalition of the male lions wouldn't be enough to tackle a liger unless some Mapogo or Majingalani kind of a lion coalition come to challenge a liger. Secondly; in prides usually lionesses hunt while ligers can easily assist them in taking down any large prey and at the end ligers may have their liger share. Lastly; if Smilodons and Great American Lions have existed with huge sizes in the wild, then there are equal chances of ligers to survive in the wild.

Ligers' Physical Strength

Can Make them Survive in Wild Ligers can Take Down

Prey of Any Size Ligers may not have

Any Challenger in Wild Ligers can also Easily

Scavenge Meal form Others If Smilodons could Exist

Ligers can also Exist in Wild

Ligers can easily survive in the wild as they can take down prey of any size and also there will be no other animal to challenge them. Photo courtesy of Wynnewood Zoo

Ligers have also played the key role as the brand ambassador for the conservation of the big cat species. | Fact - 91

Ligers are not just merely the hybrid big cats for display at the zoos but according to the liger owners their ligers act like brand ambassadors for the conservation and awareness of the big cat species. Dr. Bhagavan Antle from Myrtle Beach Safari has stated on many occasions that his liger Hercules acts as the brand ambassador for spreading the information about the conservation of the big cats. According to him, Hercules has helped them in raising funds for the big cats and other animals in the wild.

Ligers are

Brand Ambassadors of Big Cats Ligers Create

Awareness of Big Cats Herules the Liger

Has Helped in Raising Funds Ligers can Finacially Help

Saving Animals in Wild

Ligers act as the brand ambassadors for the conservation of the big cats in the wild. Ligers can create awareness as well as fundings necessary to save big cats and other animals in the wild. Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Safari

Most people owning ligers claim that they accidentally bred ligers when one of the male lions fell in love with their tigress. | Fact - 92

Most of the big cat breeders who have bred ligers stress the fact that liger breeding is not intentional at their end. According to Dr. Bhagavan Antle, they have big enclosures, where lions and tigers (both genders) are kept together since they are young and later when they grow up, they fall in love and start crossbreeding to produce ligers. Some other big cat trainers who owe ligers claim that they were not even aware that their tigress was pregnant with one of their lions.

Liger Breeding is

Never Intentional Ligers Get

Bred Accidentally In Big Enclosures

Lions & Tigresses Live Together Sometimes Lion & Tigress

Fall in Love Lion/Tigress Love

Creates Ligers in Captivity

Ligers are accidentally bred throgh crossbreeding in captivity. Usually a lion falls in love with a tigress and ligers are produced that's what the owners of the ligers mostly have to say. Photo courtesy of Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park

The word liger became part of the oxford dictionary in 1930, after a liger was gifted to the London Zoo in August, 1924. | Fact - 93

According to the British Newspaper archives data, the oxford dictionary decided to add the word liger (as animal) into their dictionary in 1924, when the nawab of Nawanagar (place in Gujarat, India) gifted a male liger to the London's zoo. Several newspapers at that time confirmed the accumulation of the word liger to be added in Oxford dictionary. However; the Oxford dictionary confirms the origin of the word liger from 1930s and defines it as "the hybrid offspring of a lion and a tigress".

Word Liger in Oxford Dictionary

Year - 1930 A Liger Gift Prompted the Word

Liger to be Added in Oxford Dictionary Liger was Gifted

Year - 1924

Based upon the gift of a liger from India to England, the Oxford dictionary in 1924 decided to add the word liger in to its dictinoary. However; it was added later in 1930. Photo courtesy of British Newspaper Archives (Fair Use Policy)

Ligers were also declared as the favorite animal of the main character (John Heder as Napoleon Dynamite) in the famous blockbuster movie "Napoleon Dynamite". | Fact - 94

Ligers prominently came to the limelight, when they were highlighted in the famous Hollywood movie Napoleon Dynamite. In that movie, John Heder appearing as the main cast of the movie as Napoleon Dynamite not only drew the liger in his sketchbook but also claimed them as his favorite animal which are bred for their skill in magic. The movie further pumped up the exploration of the people for ligers and many people claimed ligers as their favorite animal too.

Ligers were the Favorite Animal

In the Movie "Napoleon Dynamite" A Liger was Drawn

By Napoleon Dynamite Napoleon Dynamite Claimed

Ligers are Bred for Their Skills in Magic

Ligers were declared as the favorite animal in the movie "Napoleon Dynamite". The movie's main cast also claimed that ligers are bred for their skills in magic. Photo courtesy of Marie

Zoos with ligers capture more visitors' attention than the zoos without ligers. | Fact - 95

Historically; zoos with ligers have gained more popularity worldwide than the zoos without ligers. For example; according to the Salt Lake Tribune the presence of Shasta the liger at Utah's Hogle Zoo helped the zoo to gain top-tier status from mere mediocrity. Similarly; Tim Stoeffl claimed that the presence of Hobbs the liger at the Sierra Safari Zoo helped to zoo to be on map. People take keen interest in zoos which have ligers and love to visit such zoos to watch ligers as curiosity.

Zoos with Ligers

Capture Visitors' Attention Zookeepers Claimed

Ligers Boost Zoos People are Interested

In Watching Ligers

Ligers at zoos capture visitors' attention and help zoos to grow and gain popularity. Photo courtesy of Chang Puak Camp

Patrick Hoctor during 1980s and 1990s used to own 7 ligers at its private farm. This is the largest number of ligers owned by a single person at its private facility (excluding zoos). | Fact - 96

A man named Patrick Hoctor used to own at least 7 ligers at its private farm located at Terre Haute in Indiana, USA during 1980s and 1990s. This is the biggest recorded private ownership of the ligers, as no other private owner used to own this much numbers of ligers in the history of ligers. Apart from ligers Patrick Hoctor also had 2 lions and 3 tigers at its private facility. Patrick started working on his private facility in 1982. USA still has also has most numbers of private facilities rearing lions and tigers than any other country in the world.

Patrick Hoctor

Owned 7 Ligers Patrick Hoctor

Maximum Ligers in Priate Facility Patrick Hoctor

Owned Ligersi n 1980s & 1990s

Patrick Hoctor is the only person in private to own maximum numbers of ligers. He used to own 7 ligers in 1990s which is the largest numbers for liger ownership at the private facility. Photo courtesy of Liger Zoos

Ligers do not have any scien