Main image via The Guardian
We can agree that pandas are the cutest and possibly best animals on the planet! With their ever-lovable ways and funny antics, we can’t help but to love them more every time we see one!
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While we’re familiar with these lovable mammals as black-and-white in colour, a recent discovery has been made of what is believed to be the world’s first ever albino panda.
The Wolong national nature reserve in the south-western province of Sichuan, China, has managed to capture an image of an all-white giant panda in the wild as it crosses through a forest.
Image via The Guardian
After the sighting, scientist were able to officially confirm that the panda’s appearance was caused by albinism – a rare genetic condition in which there is a total or partial lack of the skin pigment melanin.
The nature reserve released a statement and noted that the albino panda appeared to be “physically strong, with a steady gait,” which shows that it’s condition has not affected it’s normal functions.
Image via msn.com
According to local researchers, they believe that the panda is between one to two years old but they could not determine its gender from the picture, which was taken by an infrared camera that was installed back in December 2018 to monitor wildlife in the area.
With less than 2,000 giant pandas left in the wild, spotting this albino panda is incredibly rare as albinism manifests infrequently.
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In order to monitor and track the albino panda’s development, the reserve authorities noted that they would be installing more infrared cameras in the reserve.
“If we can capture the next generation, the research value will be even greater,” hoped the researchers.
Hopefully we’ll be able to see more pictures of the adorable albino panda as it develops in the wild!
Info via The Guardian
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