It’s true. These are some examples of albino animals. Just imagine seeing a white squirrel gathering nuts alongside a gray or brown squirrel. They are both squirrels, but one has white fur! This phenomenon is seen in many types of animals. Discover some of the rarest white animals in nature. Also, learn the difference between albino animals and animals with leucism. The animals on this list are either naturally white or they are snow-white animals as the result of their unusual genes.
#10 Albino Rabbit
You’ve probably seen a lot of rabbits with white fur along with other colors in their coat. So, what makes an albino rabbit different? An albino rabbit must have both solid white fur and red eyes. Albino rabbits have a genetic mutation that causes abnormal pigmentation. This takes the form of a solid coat of bright white fur and red eyes. Any breed of rabbit can experience this genetic mutation. Albino rabbits make great pets just like other kinds of rabbits. However, there are some special considerations when caring for an albino rabbit. For one, their white fur makes them more sensitive to heat and sunlight. Plus, this rabbit’s eyesight may not be as sharp as rabbits with dark eyes. So, their outdoor exercise and other activities need to be monitored a little more closely than other types of rabbits.
#9 Albino Alligators
An alligator doesn’t seem to belong on a list of snow-white animals. Alligators have dark green scales and brown eyes, right? Well, this is true most of the time. But the albino alligator makes for a very intriguing exception. An albino alligator has a genetic mutation, resulting in a lack of pigment or color in its skin. So, these alligators are all white animals with eyes a light shade of pink. Though this alligator seems to have the same level of eyesight as its green relatives, it has a disadvantage. Because of its bright white skin, it’s not able to camouflage itself in its habitat. This makes it vulnerable to predators. Plus, its light skin puts it at risk of being burned when it spends too much time basking in the sunlight. Alligators are cold-blooded and have to bask in the sunlight for a certain amount of time in order to warm their bodies.
#8 Albino Peacock Cichlids
The name Albino Peacock Cichlid seems kind of confusing. Though this fish has the word Peacock in its name, Albino is more descriptive of its appearance. As a result of a genetic mutation, this fish is all white with red eyes. These fish are about six inches long and live in warm water lakes in eastern Africa. Not surprisingly, these glowing fish are always at risk of being eaten by predators. It’s very difficult for an Albino Peacock Cichlid to hide! Many fish enthusiasts include Albino Peacock Cichlids in their aquariums. Though they don’t have colorful scales like other cichlids, they are very compatible with other types of fish. These white animals can add a pleasant contrast to an aquarium full of brightly colored fish!
#7 White Great Dane
The White Great Dane is another one of the albino animals on this list. Great Danes are seen with fur coat colors including brindle, fawn, black, and silver, among others. A White Great Dane has a genetic mutation that makes its fur white and its eyes light blue. Some White Great Danes have a few light spots on their coat. Unfortunately, the genetic mutation of White Great Danes causes most of them to be born deaf. Someone who adopts a White Great Dane should be prepared to give this dog extra guidance and attention due to its deafness. Though these dogs look quite different from the traditional Great Dane, they possess the same sweet, affectionate nature of the breed.
#6 White Kangaroo
If you ever see a white kangaroo, you’ve seen one of the rarest sights in nature. As you know, most kangaroos have brownish-gray fur. A white kangaroo isn’t naturally white. Scientists believe their fur is white due to a condition called leucism. Leucism is different from albinism. While albino animals have white fur and red eyes, an animal (like a white kangaroo) with leucism has white fur and dark eyes. As you may expect, white kangaroos living in zoos have a longer lifespan than white kangaroos in the wild. Though a white kangaroo lives in a group or mob, of other kangaroos, these snow-white animals are easily spotted by predators. Unfortunately, they aren’t able to blend into their habitat like their brownish-gray counterparts.
#5 Arctic Fox
The Arctic fox is the only animal on this list with naturally white fur. Arctic foxes have winter colors and summer colors. The winter color of an Arctic fox is a pure white coat. However, in the spring and summer, its coat turns a brownish gray. The coat of the Arctic fox serves as camouflage in the winter as well as the warmer weather months. So, it has some protection from predators throughout the seasons. In the winter, the natural white coat of an Arctic fox is thick enough to keep it warm when temperatures drop below freezing. In the spring and summer, its brownish-gray coat is lighter so the fox can live comfortably in the warmer temperatures. Think of it in the same way you switch from your clothing featuring winter colors to your summer ones.
#4 White Squirrel
Though white squirrels are the rarest sort to see, they are still around if you keep your eyes open! Squirrels are not naturally white. The lack of color is due to a mutated gene of the Eastern Gray Squirrel. A squirrel with white fur has leucism, which reduces all types of skin pigmentation including melanin. White squirrels aren’t considered albino animals because of this. They have dark eyes, as well as gray or black markings on their fur. In fact, some of these white animals have a gray stripe running down their back. This is called a dorsal stripe. White squirrels don’t have any special health issues. They live in the same habitats, have the behaviors, and eat the same foods as other squirrels. Unfortunately, they are very easy for predators to see due to their color.
#3 White Koala Bear
A white koala bear is one of the rarest sights in captivity and in the wild. A white koala bear has a recessive gene that causes it to develop a white coat. These koalas have dark eyes, so they aren’t categorized as albino koala bears. White koala bears don’t have any types of health issues different from gray or brown koala bears. But, once again, a white koala bear that lives in the wild is in more danger from predators than one that can blend into its habitat. The Australia Zoo in Queensland was lucky enough to welcome a white koala bear joey.
#2 Albino Frog
Do any frogs qualify as snow-white animals? Yes. Albino frogs! An albino frog is not a specific type of frog. It’s one with a recessive gene (albinism). They have glowing white skin and red eyes. Though they look different from most other frogs, albino frogs don’t have any special health issues due to their lack of color. Albino frogs are popular pets because they look so different from other frogs. This is a good thing because an albino frog in the wild would be at high risk of being eaten due to its high visibility. The bodies of these frogs sometimes have a pink tinge. This is because their blood vessels can be seen through their papery skin. Owners of these frogs need to monitor the amount of light in the aquarium to ensure the frog isn’t getting too much.
#1 White Peacock
It seems doubtful that you’d ever find a peacock on a list of animals with winter colors, but here it is. Watch a white peacock spread its fan of white feathers and it looks like it belongs in a fantasy story. But these birds are real! White peacocks are not albino animals. Like other animals on this list, they have leucism. These birds have dark eyes just like peacocks with the traditional blue, green, and black feathers. White peacocks are only found in captivity including on farms and in zoos. These birds fan out their pure white feathers and prance around just the same as other more colorful peacocks. In fact, its fan of feathers, also known as a train, can measure four to five feet in length. Some people believe white peacocks are symbols of unconditional love.
Summary of the Top 10 Amazing White Animals
Up Next…
Discover more amazing animals!
The 10 Most Amazing Desert Animals Check out these animals that can survive in the extreme climate of the desert.12 Amazing Ocean Animals These seat creatures are unbelievable!The 10 Most Amazing Mountain Animals Incredible animals that will make your jaw drop!
