African Penguin – KOKOSANKA

(albino individual of African penguin species)

GOOD TO KNOW

There is a completely white individual among black and white African penguins colony.

It’s Kokosanka! The unique albino penguin of this species, the only such individual among zoos around the world. Kokosanka hatched on December 12th 2018
in ZOO Gdańsk.

Her different appearance is due to disturbances in the metabolism of the tyrosinase enzyme, the absence of which in albinos does not allow the melanin precursor to be transformed into wholesome melanin. This genetic anomaly of pigmentation is manifested by the lack of dye – melanin – present in the skin and its products – feathers, hair and fur. Additionally, albino individuals have red eyes due to the lack of pigmentation in the iris. Deficit of this pigment makes us notice the blood vessels present in the eye.

• Latin name: Spheniscus demersus
• IUCN –Red List – EN – Endangered
• CITES – Appendix II