Buzz
Albinism, derived from the Latin word “Albus” meaning “white,” is a genetic condition where melanin production is so low that it causes the skin, hair, and eyes to appear white. This phenomenon results in what scientists refer to as 'animal mutants.'
However, not every white animal is albino. Some animals appear white because all their pigment-producing cells are white, not just the melanin ones. The defining feature of an albino animal is its pink or red eyes, which occur when capillaries show through. Below are ten fascinating examples of mutations or albinism in the animal kingdom:
10. Giraffe
So, the debate is still ongoing about whether an albino giraffe actually exists. Some claim only white giraffes have been spotted, with no confirmed albino individuals.
It seems a stuffed version of one is on display at “Ripley’s Believe it or Not.” I’ve included this animal on the list because of its undeniable beauty and the honor it deserves to be showcased.
9. Crocodiles and Alligators
In 2012, researchers conducting a survey of the local saltwater crocodile population at Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, India, discovered multiple instances of albinism in the murky waters. A testament to the survival skills of these creatures, they managed to thrive despite their striking white coloration.
The incredibly captivating White Diamond is an albino alligator believed to be the only one of its kind in Europe. It was showcased as part of a traveling exhibit called “Land der Reptilien.” However, not all white alligators are albino. For example, White Fog was a leucistic alligator. Leucistic animals lack the usual color of their species, but they aren’t true albinos.
8. Squirrel
A garden in West Lothian, Scotland, became a regular haunt for Arthur, the Grey “albino” Squirrel. He appeared one winter, and given the heavy snowfall typical of this part of Scotland, it’s surprising he was seen at all.
7. Hedgehog
It’s like something out of a Disney film. Orphaned, alone, weighing only three hundred grams, struggling with a lung condition, on the brink of death, and in dire need of help: meet Snowball, the Albino Hedgehog. Snowball was rescued and nursed back to health at the renowned Tiggywinkles hedgehog sanctuary in Buckinghamshire, England. And all of this occurred just around Christmas. Why hasn't anyone made a Disney movie about this yet?
6. Lion
In 2012, the Yalta Zoo in Ukraine became home to not just one white lion cub, but five! Three were born in a safari park, and the other two at a smaller zoo in Yalta. White lions are not considered albinos, as their reduced pigmentation results from a recessive gene passed down from both parents, known as the color inhibitor gene. While rare, it’s even more remarkable that these cubs were born simultaneously in the same region.
5. Peacock
The peacock is undoubtedly one of the most stunning birds you’ll encounter—and it’s even more mesmerizing when this bird happens to be white. This is not an albino peacock, but rather a variant of the Indian Blue. It’s the kind of thing you might expect to see at Kim Kardashian’s wedding.
4. Camel
This albino camel is incredibly rare. Once believed to be one of only four in existence, Ula was born to a normally pigmented mother at the Jindera stud farm in New South Wales, Australia. While newborn camels are often white, they typically turn brown as they mature.
3. Gorilla
The aptly named Snowflake was a one-of-a-kind gorilla. Snowflake was the only known albino gorilla ever documented and lived at the Barcelona Zoo in Spain. He enjoyed a long life before succumbing to a rare form of skin cancer. Thousands of visitors came to see him during his final months, where he had become a phenomenon and one of the zoo’s biggest attractions. He fathered twenty-two offspring, though only six survived to adulthood—and none shared his remarkable skin color.
2. Turtle
Question: When does a green turtle turn white? Answer: When it’s Minty, the White Green Turtle. Minty lived at Reef HQ in Townsville, Australia. Unfortunately, his brief life ended after just one year in captivity when he was found at the bottom of his tank. To this day, the cause of his death remains unknown. Minty was a leucistic animal, not a true albino. Rest in peace, Minty.
1. Tiger
Siegfried and Roy knew they had discovered a true treasure when they decided to feature white tigers in their Las Vegas magic shows. That is, until one of the big cats grew frustrated and made it clear, “Hey! Wild animal here!” White tigers were subsequently replaced with white hospital walls for Roy. White tigers aren’t true albinos, though, as indicated by their black stripes. Even those with lighter stripes are the result of a recessive gene from their parents, much like the lions we discussed earlier.
+ Koala
My heart goes out to this little creature, who earned the eerie nickname “Ghost Boy” from his caretakers at the San Diego Zoo. Their astonishment was complete when, after spending six months in his mother’s womb, he emerged and looked around with his striking pink eyes. Both of his parents are of normal coloration, and it’s believed that he’s the only albino koala in captivity anywhere in the world.
