A rare leucistic penguin, named Pearl due to her striking white feathers, has been discovered on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. Leucism, a genetic mutation, results in a lack of pigmentation, making Pearl an unusual sight. According to Justin Biddle from the Wildlife Welfare Organisation, encounters with leucistic penguins are exceedingly uncommon, with many experts never having witnessed one.
Pearl’s unique colouring renders her particularly vulnerable in the wild, as her bright appearance makes her easily visible from above, heightening the risks she faces. Weighing in at just 760 grams, she is significantly below the typical adult weight of around one kilogram for little penguins. Upon her arrival at the rescue facility, she was unable to stand, a sign of her weakened state. Rescuers note that once she regains some strength, she will begin to ask for food, which is crucial for her recovery.
Currently, Pearl is being fed five times a day to help her gain the necessary weight. However, there are concerns about her future; if she were to be released back into the wild, her distinctive appearance might hinder her ability to find a mate, posing additional challenges for her survival. Biddle emphasises that any form of discolouration can be disadvantageous for swimming, hunting, and mating.
Researchers familiar with the local Granite Island penguin colony suspect that Pearl may not belong to that group and could have travelled hundreds of kilometres to reach her current location. Despite the challenges she faces, rescuers remain optimistic about her potential for a full recovery.