Albinism, a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin pigment in the skin and eyes, affects animals just as it does humans. Albino animals, with their white or pale fur and red, pink, or blue eyes, are sensitive to sunlight.
Due to their inability to camouflage in their natural habitats, these animals are cared for in special conditions at the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Zoo. The zoo provides specific care for the animals.
Albino animals, which are sensitive to light, are housed in shaded areas on sunny days. Their enclosures are equipped with dim lighting and cool environments to protect their eyes and ensure their overall well-being.
Veterinarian Mehmet Uğur Altuncu at the zoo stated that they have six different species of albino animals. These include a Burmese python, an axolotl, an astronaut fish, a sturgeon, a rhea, and a California king snake.
Altuncu explained that they provide shaded areas for these animals on sunny days because their eyes are more sensitive to light. They also create dim lighting and cool environments in their enclosures to protect their eyes and overall well-being.
Altuncu highlighted that these animals, which are completely white, have a shorter lifespan in their natural habitats because they become easy targets. The zoo obtains some of the albino animals from other zoos.
Altuncu added that the zoo ensures the animals' safety and well-being with special care and conditions. They prevent the animals from reproducing to avoid disrupting their physiology. The zoo's albino animals attract a lot of attention from visitors.
Altuncu emphasized that they raise awareness about albinism with information boxes. Albino animals, especially those with blue eyes, are the center of attention. They attract more attention than normal animals.
Visitors are also informed about albinism. Altuncu noted that visitors ask many questions about the animals, and the relationship between the keepers and the animals is very special.