In the wild, Bengal White Tigers are found exclusively within South Asia, notably in India. Although Bengal tigers make up 60% of the world’s wild tiger population, individuals with white coats are indeed very rare. Only one White Tiger exists out of every 10,000 normal orange-coloured tigers

White Tigers are often mistaken for albinos, which are completely white with pink eyes. The unusual white coloration is a result of gene mutation – a permanent change in the gene controlling the coat coloration and the change can be passed on from one generation to another. The mutated gene is a recessive gene, meaning two such genes are needed to produce the white coloration. Both white and normal orange-coloured cubs can be found in a litter.

The Singapore Zoo occupies 28 hectares (0.28 km²) of land on the margins of Upper Seletar Reservoir within Singapore's heavily forested central catchment area. The zoo was built at a cost of S$9m granted by the government of Singapore and opened on 23 June 1973. It is operated by Wildlife Reserves Singapore, who also manage the neighbouring Night Safari and the Jurong BirdPark. There are about 315 species of animal in the zoo, of which some 16% are considered threatened species. The zoo attracts about 1.4 million visitors a year.

The Singapore Zoo followed the modern trend of displaying animals in naturalistic, 'open' exhibits, i.e. with hidden barriers, behind moats and shrubbery etc. It also houses the largest captive colony of orangutans in the world.