BIG-IP : irule class match with wildcards

i do not think you need asterisk (*) in data group since you are using class match. Can you please try this.

whitelist

     "/default.html"
    "/desert-dwellers/camel.html"
    "/amphibians/platypus.html"
    "/kids-favorites-1.html"
    "/kids-favorites-2.html"

iRule

    when HTTP_REQUEST {
         if { [matchclass [HTTP::uri] starts_with whitelist] } {
            HTTP::redirect "http://www.xyz.com"
                }
            }