
I interpret this captive white tiger’s behaviour as indicating that he/she is desperate for company and specifically human company. This is probably a tame tiger. Perhaps she was raised in captivity. However, it is clear that she is alone far too much. Having experienced human company she expects it and even depends on it. That’s my view on this. She wants to taste the person’s hand. And she rubs her head against the glass. This action was clearly intended to be against the visitor’s head or hand. This is the classic friendly feline behavior we experience with our domestic cat companions.
I have experienced this sort of feline behavior myself on a cat breeding ‘farm’ in Oklahoma. I entered the enclosure of a 4th filial black Savannah cat. He was slightly wild but desperate for human company. He licked my trousers endlessly until they were wet. He just wanted company. I felt sorry for him and stayed quite
a long time. The female with him had a head tilt due vestibular disease (inner ear condition). For me that was cruel. Cruel to keep cats in small enclosures all their lives just to make them breed. He was a beautiful cat.
This is the cat I am referring to:

P.S. White tigers are often abused because they are so popular. They are all offspring of one male white tiger from India. Yep all of them and they are all in zoos. Because the gene pool is so small there is inbreeding and deformities sometimes. We don’t see these tigers normally. They are possible killed as they are not attractive and the whole damn purpose for the existence of white tigers in zoos is to attract paying customers. And they want to see them because they look glamorous. The backstory is very unglamorous.
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I never knew any of this about white tigers. I read your previous article about Mohan and Radha. “Mohan/Enchanter” is a great name. White tigers ARE enchanting. But your statement, “The sad truth is that unless this happened there would be no white tigers. It is the way nature works.” has me wondering. How did the original line of white tigers occur? A genetic mutation? If it happened before, it could happen again. Maybe a very recessive gene?
Michael, that black savannah cat is mesmering. I love his eyes. Keeping cats in cages is just wrong. Poor kitties. ???
This precious being should be in a sanctuary. And if he/she is, should have a companion at least. This is cruel!!