Albino animals look the way they are thanks to a genetic mutation which causes an absence of tyrosinase in their pigment cells. That means they don’t produce melanin pigments.
They are thought to be rare in the wild, but there are animals with a similar genetic abnormality called leucism which can be seen in their white fur, feathers, scales, or skin.
Check out this gallery and go through each animal to see how different they are.
Rare Dolphin
This rare pink dolphin is called “Pinky” by local fishermen. She’s been seen several times in Calcasieu Lake, Louisiana.
Albino dolphins are super rare and unfortunately, that pink color makes them especially vulnerable to predators.
Alligator
This stunning alligator called “White Diamond” lives at the Serengeti Park in Hodenhagen, Germany.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s a display of some sort.
Wallaby
The caretakers at the Seaview Wildlife Park on the Isle of Wight put sunscreen on their noses every morning to prevent these animals from getting sunburn.
Cute, aren’t they?
Orangutan
A rare, 5-year-old orangutan was rescued from an Indonesian village back in May 2017.
It was kept in a cage in Borneo, but the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation discovered his existence so they fought to free the animal.
They proceeded to name the orangutan “Alba”, a word which means “white” in Latin.
Turtle
A baby albino Green turtle was found newly hatched in Australia. These are so rare, we’re talking one in many hundreds of thousands chance of spotting one.
But like other albino animals, their lack of color makes them easy prey for predators.
Giraffe
So far, there are no known albino giraffes in the world, but several leucistic giraffes, like Omo here, have been spotted.
You can find Omo in Tarangire National Park in Tanzania.
In September 2017, a mother and calf were spotted in Kenya with hardly any spots on them.
Raccoon
These raccoons were up-to-no-good and it doesn’t help that one of the little guys stand out thanks to his coloration.
Kangaroo
This is Alberta the Albino, and she lives with her joey at the Marlow Animal Park in Germany.
It’s hard to miss her.
Peacock
White peacocks are not albino. It’s a genetic mutation called leucism causing a lack of pigment in their plumage.
Who knows if they attract females the same way too.
Python
So how can you tell if an all-white reptile is leucistic or albino?
The color of the animal’s eye. Albino reptiles have red eyes since albinism is caused by a partial or complete lack of melanin, the pigmentation that causes dark colors in hair and skin.
Lion
White lions are not albino, but their coloring is caused by mutation of the same gene that causes albinism.
Still stunning looking animals, aren’t they?
Humpback Whale
This albino humpback whale named Migaloo likes to make occasional appearances around the Australian Gold Coast.
You can’t miss the big guy when he swims by.
Gorilla
“Snowflake” the gorilla was found in modern-day Equatorial Guinea in 1966.
He passed away in 2003, and he remains the only albino gorilla currently known to man.
But who knows if there’s another one out there.
Asian Elephant
This rare “white elephant” found in Burma is believed to herald good fortune.
Let’s hope it does, for the sake of its caretakers.
Hedgehog
His name is Nigel, and is from Barn Hill Preserve. They say eggs make his poop stink really bad but he does love pineapples.
Cardinal
This cardinal isn’t an albino, but is gynandromorphic, meaning it is “half male and half female.”
It just made this list because it looks really cool.
Lobster
Ruby is an albino lobster, and he is truly one in an estimated 30 million.
But with nature, you never know what else you’ll find.
Penguin
This little African Penguin is called Snowdrop, and he lives at the Bristol Zoo.
Just another one who stands out among the rest of his family.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
More like a ruby-eyeballed hummingbird if you look closely.
But still, it’s pretty neat to see one away from the usual colored variety.
Skunk
Two albino skunks were born in a wildlife rescue centre in England and the animals are fascinating to look at since we’re used to the dominant black with white stripe.
Sea Turtle
A leucistic sea turtle was rescued during the tsunami in Sri Lanka in 2004.
Unlike albinism, leucism happens because of a reduction in all types of skin pigment, not just melanin.
Moose
The nice thing about this moose being white is that he matches the snow, making it difficult for hunters to spot him.
Raven
Imagine this guy rapping, rapping at your chamber door and when you open it, you see him in all his glory.
Iguana
You could put these guys on a cereal box and it would sell. Just look at those wonderful colors!
Zebra
Gone are those iconic stripes we all know and love in exchange for a striking pattern in much lighter colors.
Koala
These guys could come in an assortment of colors and we’d still want one regardless.
They are too cute, and just look at this little one sleeping!
Ladybug
Sitting on a berry only serves to bring out this ladybug’s unique look and wow does she look pretty.
Squirrel
This squirrel looks like it will sing with the birds once it wakes up. Like the ones in Disney animated movies.
Betta Fish
If a fish wanted to be vain and blind others with its looks, this is it.
Tree Fog
No camouflage for this tree frog. His colors would definitely stand out among the browns and greens of its natural habitat.
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