The Only Known Albino Panda Was Just Spotted in China

The giant panda ranks as one of the most recognizable animals in the world. Although it only lives in a few regions in China, the giant panda captivates people around the world due to its appearance, affable nature, and peculiar habits. Nearly everyone knows the panda by its characteristic black and white striped coat. That said, the only known albino panda was just spotted in China. Such a rare phenomenon represents an incredible discovery and an opportunity to explore these amazing creatures further. Keep reading to learn about the only known albino panda and where it was found. We’ll also discuss the causes behind albinism and the occurrence of albinism in bears. 

Panda Species Details

The giant panda, or panda bear, belongs to the bear family Ursidae. Endemic to China, all wild pandas alive today reside in a few mountain ranges in central China. The total panda population numbers around 2,400, of which around 1,800 of these pandas live in the wild. Currently, the IUCN lists the panda as a Vulnerable species, up from Endangered as of 2016.

On average, pandas measure around 3 feet, 11 inches, to 6 feet, 3 inches long. In terms of height, most pandas stand between 24 and 35 inches tall at the shoulder. Like most other bears, the tail measures rather short, averaging between 4 and 6 feet long. Male pandas tend to weigh more than females, with males maxing out at 350 pounds. Females can vary wildly in weight, from as little as 150 pounds to as much as 276 pounds. Pandas sport characteristic black eye patches, ears, limbs, and shoulders, while the rest of the body looks white. Interestingly, pandas possess five fingers as well as a thumb, which is actually a modified sesamoid bone that they use to grip bamboo.

Pandas belong to the order Carnivora and, as a result, possess the digestive system of a carnivore. However, despite its genetic makeup, bamboo makes up 99% of a wild panda’s diet. Pandas do not get much energy or protein from bamboo, so they mostly target bamboo shoots, which possess a higher protein and starch content. To get the required amount of nutrients they need, pandas must consume between 20 and 30 pounds of bamboo a day. 

Where Was the Albino Panda Spotted?

Back in April 2019, infrared trail cams recorded footage of an all-white albino panda. After several weeks, Chinese authorities released the photos to the public on May 25th. These images serve as the first documented images of an albino panda in the wild.

The images of the panda were taken in the Woolong National Nature Reserve in Sichuan, China. The cameras captured the photos of the panda in a mountain habitat around 6,561 feet above sea level.

After this discovery, researchers from various universities and scientific institutions worked together to install more cameras in the habitat where the albino panda was spotted. No sighting of the albino panda occurred for 4 years until cameras once again caught sight of the panda in May 2023. 

The recently released footage captures video of the albino panda visiting a mother panda and her cub resting in a tree hollow. Surprisingly, the mother panda seemed nonplussed at the arrival of the albino panda. Typically, mother pandas act protectively toward their cubs. The mother’s reaction led researchers to believe that the albino panda may be an older offspring of the mother. 

In the original camera footage from 2019, experts estimated the albino panda’s age at 1 or 2 years old. Assuming the albino camera in the recent footage is the same, this means the albino panda is now 5 or 6 years old. Based on the limited footage, the albino panda appears to be in good health. 

What Causes Albinism?

The term albinism refers to a rare genetic condition also known as oculocutaneous albinism or OCA. Individuals with this condition are often referred to as albinos. 

Albinism results from a series of approximately 7 different genetic mutations that affect how genes in the body produce melanin. These mutations can reduce, prevent, or change the production and synthesis of melanin, eumelanin, or pheomelanin in the body. Melanin controls the amount of pigmentation in hair, eyes, and skin, which gives these structures color. With low levels or no melanin, this results in pale or white skin, eyes, and hair

Contrary to popular belief, albinism does not always result in white skin and pink or red eyes. This type of albinism results from Tyle I oculocutaneous albinism, which results in a complete absence of melanin and pink or red pupils. 

In addition to adjusting how an animal looks, albinism also comes with a host of other complications. Albinos typically lack UV protection and – in the case of animals – are also typically more subject to predation. Other consequences can include abnormal eye development and hearing issues. 

Albinism in Bears

Rates of albinism vary from species to species. Generally speaking, albinism follows a recessive pattern of inheritance, which means both genes in a pair must be present (mutated) to result in albinism. That said, some forms of albinism can occur outside of this rule. 

Albinism occurs most often in birds, amphibians, and reptiles but also occurs in mammals. According to surveys, around 1 in every 10,000 mammal births results in albinism. However, for some species, albinism occurs even more rarely, with an occurrence rate of up to 1 in 1 million. 

Although only one known instance exists of albinism in pandas, there are plenty of other examples of albinism in other bear species. Note that polar bears and Kermode bears do not count as albinos despite their light appearance. Kermode bears primarily live near the coast of British Columbia and often go through a pale phase. Some First Nation tribes referred to Kermode bears as “spirit bears” due to their ghostly appearance. 

True albinism in bears occurs rarely, but over the years, there have been numerous sightings of albino black and brown bears. In 2015, a hunter harvested an albino black bear in Pennsylvania near Beaver Township in Columbia County. 

The albino panda recently spotted in China represents a rare occurrence that may not happen again for generations. Such a specimen can teach us so much about pandas and should not be taken for granted.