Do Lion-tiger Hybrids (ligers) Really Exist?

A lot of people have wondered about ligers since they were mentioned in the popular film Napoleon Dynamite a few years ago.  Many have been surprised to learn that they actually do exist, as do tigons, lepons, and jaglions.  Lions and tigers both belong to the genus Panthera meaning that they have enough common genetic material to make breeding possible.



These amazing and somewhat mythical sounding hybrids are not found in the wild as most big cats will breed only with their own kind.  However, captive breeding programs have created a number of these cat combinations over the past two centuries.  The above mentioned cat hybrids were more common during the late 19th century when they were used as attractions in traveling circuses and sideshows.

To produce a liger, breeders will mate a male lion and a female tiger.  The offspring can weigh up to 1,000 lbs and be up to 12 feet in length.  Each liger is unique in appearance and they can have both stripes and spots.   If the liger is male, the liger may even have a small mane.