Rare white penguin washes up on South Australian beach
A rare and fragile all-white little penguin has washed up on a beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
The penguin, aptly named Pearl for her stunning white feathers, is leucistic, meaning she has a rare genetic mutation where she lacks pigmentation.
"Not many people or even experts have seen a leucistic penguin," said Justin Biddle of the Wildlife Welfare Organisation.
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A rare and fragile all-white little penguin has washed up on a beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. 9News
"It's quite rare, one of a kind almost."
Pearl's colouring makes her vulnerable in the wild as she's highly visible from above.
At just 760 grams, she's fighting for life, well below the usual weight for adult little penguins of about one kilogram.
"She wasn't standing or anything like that when she came in," Biddle said.
"Once little penguins gather more strength, they stand and start asking for food eventually."
Pearl is now eating five times a day to help gain weight. However, rescuers believe she may struggle to find a mate if released back into the ocean because of her rare appearance.
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The penguin, aptly named Pearl for her stunning white feathers, is leucistic, meaning she has a rare genetic mutation where she lacks pigmentation. 9News
"Any sort of discolouration would be a disadvantage in regards to swimming around, hunting (and) finding a partner," Biddle said.
Researchers who know the Granite Island colony well believe Pearl is not from the area and may have travelled hundreds of kilometres.
Rescuers are hopeful she'll make a full recovery.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
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