Rare white penguin spotted - 16th February 2024

A rare, white Gentoo penguin's been photographed in the Antarctic. The Gentoo species generally have black and white feathers and a reddish-orange beak.

The bird was noticed at the Gabriel Videla base, a former research station that's now a museum for visitors in summer. Chilean cook Hugo Harros, who's based at the station and is a keen photographer, first saw the penguin.

Hugo Harros: "When we came across this specimen, the crew was very impressed, and we quickly wanted to take pictures for our memories."

This isn't the first time a white penguin's been noticed in this area. Someone saw a similar animal eight years ago and it's unclear if it's the same one or a relation. The lack of colour is known as leucism and it's the result of a gene, as biologist Diego Mojica explains.

Diego Mojica: "Leucism is the consequence of a recessive gene that seems to be somehow hereditary. Out of thousands of penguins, a certain percentage may be born with leucism."

The genetic condition can be present in other animals such as alligators and whales. It differs from albinism as it doesn't have an effect on the animals' eye colour.

Gentoo penguins frequently group together not far from the base. However, population numbers are declining due to environmental issues and human activities. This female animal, now simple to see underwater, is at risk from other animals.

Hugo Harros is proud to have photographed the special penguin and is hopeful his pictures will inform people about the species.

Hugo Harros: "As an amateur nature photographer I wanted to capture this image as a souvenir. I would also like to educate people through photography. This is one of my main goals.