The Panda bear, which conservationists believe to be between 1 to 2 years old, was photographed at the Wolong National Nature Reserve in the Sichuan province of China.
Albinism panda is mostly existent in the animal kingdom, but it is an uncommon appearance, owing to a genetic mutation that leaves animals incapable of producing melanin. Apart from this fact, the reproductive and physiological capabilities of albino animals are the same as those of other individuals.
Albinism panda is mostly existent in the animal kingdom, but it is an uncommon appearance, owing to a genetic mutation that leaves animals incapable of producing melanin. Apart from this fact, the reproductive and physiological capabilities of albino animals are the same as those of other individuals.
According to National Geographic’’s Jane Actman, Albinism in animals, including humans, is caused by an uncommon mutation in one or quite a few genes that control the body’s production of melanin, the primary pigment that determines the color of hair, fur, and skin.
“The picture clearly shows the unique morphological characteristics of the panda: the hair is white, the claws are white, and the eyes are red, passing through the lush native deciduous broad-leaved forest,” the nature reserve said in a press release.
“The panda, which was filmed by Wolong, is the first fully whitened individual recorded in the wild … indicating that there is a ‘whitening’ mutant gene in the giant panda population in Wolong.”
Fortunately, the white panda appears to be doing well. “Based on the photo, albinism has not affected the life of the white panda much,” Li Sheng of the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, tells May. “It looks quite well, quite strong.”
Albinus does not affect activities or physical structures, but it helps an animal stand out better to the daylight and more sensitive to sunlight compared to other animals, Li Sheng, a Peking University researcher, said in the statement.
A member of the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature first posted the first known image of a wild giant panda that is fully white. A mountainous region in the north-western Chinese province of Shaanxi, called Qinling is a place where have been sightings of brown-and-white pandas.
“I think it’s quite random for it to be discovered, since albinism manifests itself so infrequently,” Li said. “This was recorded just in time.”
What could be cuter than a dog and horse interacting with one another? A video of the two pets has gone viral, showing the horse slowly approaching the dog to sniff her. The dog gets scared at first, but once she feels comfortable she will even give the horse a hug! These two animals are so different creatures but yet they have so much in common!
An Australian shepherd in Härryda, Sweden has a horse as its best friend. Two furry BFFs from Härryda, Sweden have become an overnight sensation after becoming viral on social media for their friendship.
The Australian shepherd named Orion and the horse, called “Destiny” bring some warmth to people’s online hearts.
A 14-year-old elephant remembered an amazing act of kindness that happened years before. Thanks to the kindness that she experienced when she was younger, Loijuk grew older and become a mother.
In 2006, at only 5 months old an orphaned elephant was found all alone and it was rescued by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) in Kenya. The SWT hand-raised her until she was old enough to be able to survive in the wild.
Loijuk often returns to the SWT’s Ithumba Stockades, even she now lives in the wild, but she never forgets her human caregivers.
Loijuk’s most recent visit at the beginning of September, however, marked a very special occasion: she had just given birth to a female calf and she wanted to introduce the baby to the SWT rescuers.
Loijuk was an orphan from the tender age of just five months. She was taken to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an organization in Kenya that is run by many caring people. They took her in, fed and cared for her as she grew older, and eventually released her back into the wild.
However, Loijuk wasn’t about to forget the humans who took such good care of her when she was a baby. Even though she has adapted very well to living in a natural setting, Loijuk goes back to visit with her caretakers once a month.
“It is so special to witness Loijuk welcome and encourage the interaction, inviting head Keeper Benjamin to enjoy her newborn baby, unperturbed by their shenanigans together, and to immediately see the joy this new life brings the whole Ithumba Unit of dependent orphans and ex-orphan’s alike,” writes the SWT staffers.
“Watching her heal, flourish and transition to a wild independent life again in the span of 14 years, surrounded by ex-orphans and wild elephant friends, and now to see her transform into a mother is the ultimate affirmation of a job well done.”
Loijuk stayed close to the sanctuary during the week that followed. It was as if she wanted the keepers to make sure her baby was healthy, so that is exactly what they did. They checked on her often to make sure that everything was well with her. They also supplemented her diet to make sure that she was getting enough nutrition during the dry season.
To support orphaned elephants being cared for by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, you can make a donation.
Have you heard about Alaskan Malamute breed? How about an Alaskan Malamute with a parrot for a best friend. A 4-year-old Alaskan Malamute by the name Tydus, living in South Africa with his owner and Trez – is a mischevious African Grey parrot and Tydus’ loyal companion.
Dogs are not only man’s best friend, but they can also be amazing friends with other animals as well. We always love to hear stories about unusual animal friendships and Tydus and Trez are giving us some serious friendships inspiration.
The 5-year-old Alaskan Malamute is already a star with more than 160 thousand followers on Instagram. You won’t see Tydus and Trez posing together that often on Instagram. They have appeared on numerous websites and social media pages such as 9gag, The Dodo, and Unilad.
In an interview for Hello Bark, the owner explained that the dog and the parrot are both dominant and that makes their friendship a bit complicated.
“They don’t really get along that well. Trez is very dominant and won’t think twice about biting one of Tydus’ paws. We always monitor them and would never leave them alone with each other.”
“Tydus starts howling as soon as he hears an ambulance or whenever he is bored. Trez will then pitch in and say: “Tydus stop it. Good boy!”. Trez comforts him by talking to him while they are alone,” their owner said.