Rare Albino Dolphin Spotted Off California Coast

The crew of a Blue Ocean Whale Watch boat came across a beautiful sight while sailing off the coast of California in Monterey Bay — a young albino dolphin swimming with its mother. Kate Cummings, a member of the team, was able to film and photograph the exceedingly unusual marine creature.

It turned out to be a 3-year-old Risso dolphin that was first observed in 2014 as a youngster of a few months old. The whale-watching crew recognized it right away, and they were delighted to find it in such good shape.

“Albino Risso’s dolphins are extremely unusual in the wild,” Cummings told Live Science. “I believe this is the only known albino Risso’s dolphin in the eastern Pacific.” “Because it’s such an uncommon event, seeing the dolphin felt really amazing.” I first saw this dolphin two years ago; it is now roughly three years old and still lives with its mother.”

You can watch the video below:

Albinism is responsible for the dolphin’s distinctive colour. A rare disorder in which the cells do not create melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Albinism has been observed in over 20 marine species, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, however it is extremely unusual in dolphins.

Albino animals may appear cute, but they suffer from a variety of health and social issues, the most common of which is poor eyesight. They’re also usually shunned by their peers, and their odd appearance makes them vulnerable to predators.

“Because there is no melanin to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation, albino animals are more prone to skin disorders, and they can have impaired eyesight and hearing,” Cummings added. “From what we can determine, this kid appears to be in good health.”