In Antarctica, a rare white penguin was spotted: video
Rare white penguin spotted in Antarctica. Source: Screenshot from the video
A rare all-white penguin was filmed at the Gabriel Gonzalez Vidal Base in Antarctica.
This penguin is a female of the Gentoo species, which typically have black and white feathers with a white spot on the top of their heads. The footage was posted on the social network X.
The bird in the video appears so white due to leucism, a gene mutation that causes a loss of pigmentation in the plumage or fur. The feathers become white, and the skin underneath turns pink.
However, this condition should not be confused with albinism. Animals with leucism retain normal eye color, unlike albinos.
White penguins are so rare because leukemia makes birds more vulnerable to predators because they are easier to see.