Penguins are one of the more popular and easily recognizable members of the animal kingdom. They’ve been studied and observed so much that you probably don’t think that there’s anything new to learn about them. Well, guess again.
When a team of scientists working for National Geographic were exploring the Lindbald region of northern Antarctica, they came across a remarkably rare specimen: a “mutant” chinstrap penguin with coloring so unusual, that it will take your breath away.
Believe it or not, not every penguin is black and white.
It doesn’t happen all that often, but every now and then, one of them actually comes out blonde!
Despite what you might think, these special little guys aren’t albino.
What they have is called isabellinism, a very rare genetic mutation that dilutes the pigment in their feathers.
“Many species of penguins have a few rare individuals with this color pattern,” penguin expert P. Dee Boersma told National Geographic in an interview.
Recently, scientists discovered a blonde chinstrap penguin in Antarctica.
David Stephens
And you have to see this adorable little guy in action!
We sure hope the other penguins aren’t mean to this wonderful blondie just because he’s different! He’s just absolutely beautiful.
Share this incredibly rare animal with your friends below!
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