A baby albino kangaroo. Photo: Nathan Rupert / Flickr
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An exceptionally rare albino kangaroo has been born in northern Finland, marking an unusual event even by Australian standards. The white joey, with distinctive red eyes and no visible pigmentation, was born at Arkadia Animal Park in the town of Simo.
The joey is the third offspring of red-necked wallabies Miina and Manu, who relocated to Finland from the Netherlands four years ago. While kangaroo births are rare in Lapland, the birth of an albino joey is even more extraordinary.
According to Arkadia’s owner Päivi Ruotsalainen, the young kangaroo has already started exploring beyond its mother’s pouch and appears both curious and energetic.
“People say albinos are weaker, but this one looks strong and alert. It’s even made some proper sprints outside the pouch,” Ruotsalainen said.
The animal’s unique appearance became clear during spring, when its pink eyes were first spotted as it peeked out from the pouch. Later sightings of its ear, foot or head confirmed the joey’s rare condition.
Albinism in kangaroos is caused by a recessive gene mutation, which must be carried by both parents. The result is a complete lack of pigment in the fur, eyes, and skin. According to Australian mammal researcher Dr Mark Eldridge, the odds of such a birth are between one in 50,000 and one in 100,000.
The joey, which has yet to be named, is not expected to require special care. While albino kangaroos in the wild often struggle with predators, weak eyesight, and sun sensitivity, those risks are minimised in captivity.
“In Australia, their white fur makes them stand out in grasslands. Here, there are no natural predators, and the sun isn’t as harsh,” said Ruotsalainen. “Still, we use sunscreen on pigs when it’s sunny, so we’re ready if needed.”
She added that the kangaroos have access to shade and indoor shelter to avoid sun exposure.
The new arrival has been welcomed calmly by the rest of the kangaroo family. Miina is the primary caregiver, grooming and nursing the joey, but both parents appear to have adjusted well.
Miina and Manu’s previous joey was born last year. All three animals now share the same enclosure.
Although albino kangaroos have been seen in Finland before, sightings remain extremely rare. In 2018, a white wallaby named Willy Wonka escaped from captivity in the Åland Islands during a thunderstorm, briefly capturing public attention.
The new joey’s birth has brought surprise and excitement to the animal park, which says it will continue to monitor the animal closely.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
