Spotted: Rare Albino Penguin Caught On Camera In Antarctica
In a rare and captivating sighting, researchers in Antarctica encountered a unique gentoo penguin at the Gabriel Gonzalez Videla Base. Unlike the conventional black and white appearance, this extraordinary penguin boasts a stunning white plumage, attributed to leucism—a rare recessive gene. While leucism sets this penguin apart with its striking appearance, it also poses challenges as the bright feathers make the bird more visible to potential predators. Interestingly, despite its white exterior, the penguin’s dark eyes distinguish it from true albinism, showcasing one of the distinct features of leucism.
Hugo Alejandro Harris Guerra, a photographer at the Antarctica base, highlighted the remarkable biodiversity near the penguin colony, describing the daily wonders experienced by the residents. Living amidst a gentoo penguin colony at the Gabriel Gonzalez Videla Base provides a unique opportunity to witness the marvels of nature, with this rare white penguin standing out as just one of the many captivating sights in the region.
