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White penguin seen in Antarctic - 16th February 2024

A white penguin's been seen in the Antarctic. Gentoo penguins are usually black and white, with a red-orange beak.

This white bird was first seen near the Gabriel Videla base, an old scientific centre. Hugo Harros, a Chilean chef, works there. After noticing the unusual animal, he quickly took pictures of it.

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

A white penguin was seen eight years ago as well. No one knows if it's the same one or just a relative. When an animal doesn't have any colour, it's called 'leucism' and it's due to a gene.

Diego Mojica's a biologist who's studied leucism.

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."

Other animals like whales and alligators can also have leucism. It isn't like albinism because the colour of the animals' eyes doesn't change.

These Gentoo penguins are often found close to the base. Their population is decreasing because of both humans and environmental problems. Now, this white penguin – easy to see by other animals – is in danger.

Harros is very pleased with his pictures and wants others to understand the Gentoo penguin 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."