A rare sighting off the coast of Hawaii has excited marine biologists: an albino whale calf was spotted swimming with its pod. This unique event highlights the diverse marine life in the area and raises questions about the calf's survival.
The albino calf was seen alongside five other whales, including a white whale and five tiger-striped whales. This is only the second documented instance of an albino whale among this pod. The sighting occurred during a tourist excursion near the Big Island of Hawaii.
Tour operators first noticed the calf, initially mistaking it for a large piece of trash. Olivia Miller, a marine photographer on board, captured the images. The tiger-striped whales are believed to be the albino whale's relatives.
Tiger-striped whales typically migrate to the Big Island this time of year. However, albino whales are exceptionally rare, making this sighting particularly noteworthy. "It is exciting to see that the two have been allopatric to the area and the time," said Dr. Moli Scott, a marine biologist at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Albino whales face unique challenges in the wild due to their lack of pigmentation. The biggest concern is their vulnerability to sunburn. "From what we know, it is the first member of the tiger and white stripes to be found together and healthy in a calf," Scott said.
Albino whales are on the IUCN Red List, with only about 100 estimated to exist worldwide. This recent sighting in 2024 offers a glimpse of hope for these rare creatures. It underscores the importance of continued conservation efforts.