A baby elephant with albinism, born earlier this year in Maasai Mara, Kenya, has been thriving in the wild despite its unique skin condition challenges.
The rare calf, born in April, was spotted by a wildlife photographer, its pink skin immediately catching attention.
Despite the difficulties of albinism, the young elephant appears to be doing well in its environment.
Mostafa Elbrolosy, a ranger and safari camp operator in Maasai Mara, had heard rumors of the albino elephant’s birth but was amazed when he finally saw the calf in person.
“It was an extraordinary sight,” Elbrolosy said. “For wildlife photographers, rare creatures are always a highlight, and seeing this calf was like a dream come true. I’d heard about a female elephant giving birth, but I didn’t expect to find an albino calf.”
After wrapping up his work for the day, Elbrolosy grabbed his camera and, with a guide, set out to locate the newborn.
After a long search, he finally encountered the calf, which was only about eight hours old, and was fortunate to photograph the remarkable moment.
Although vulnerable to the harsh African sunlight, the young elephant was being well cared for by its herd, staying close to its mother for protection and nourishment.
Elbrolosy noted, “He was surrounded and closely guarded by the herd, trying to feed and follow his mother. It was incredible to witness such a rare event.”
Albinism is caused by a lack of pigment, resulting in pale skin and pink eyes. This condition can lead to vision problems and, in some cases, blindness as the animal ages.
Although many elephants have unpigmented patches of skin behind their ears, true albinos often face rejection from their species due to their unusual appearance.
Despite these potential challenges, the pink calf appears to be thriving under the care of its family.
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