What are albino animals?
Albinism in wildlife is an extraordinary and rare phenomenon, caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for colour in skin, fur, feathers, and eyes. Albino animals are instantly recognisable by their white or pale appearance and pink or red eyes.
While beautiful and fascinating, their lack of camouflage makes life in the wild especially challenging. Without natural camouflage, albino animals are more visible to predators, making survival in the wild more difficult. Because of these risks, many albino individuals are found in captivity, where they can be protected and studied.
Albino animals found in the UK
Here are some of the rare albino creatures that have been spotted across the UK.
European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Albino hedgehogs are extremely rare. It's estimated that only 1 in 10,000 hedgehogs is born with albinism. Their striking white spines and pale features make them stand out, but unfortunately, this also makes them more vulnerable to predators.
Grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Albino grey squirrels are an especially rare sight, with only around 50 individuals thought to exist in the UK. With their ghostly white fur and pinkish eyes, these squirrels are sometimes mistaken for leucistic individuals (which lack pigment in their fur but have normal eye colour).
Fallow deer (Dama dama)
White deer are occasionally seen in parkland herds across the UK, particularly among fallow deer, where the gene for light coloration is more common. Some of these white deer are true albinos, with pink eyes and noses, while others may have leucism, a condition that reduces pigmentation but doesn’t affect the eyes. Regardless of the cause, these deer are a majestic and unusual sight.
White wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus)
Though native to Australia, wild wallaby populations have become established in parts of the UK, including the Peak District and the Isle of Man, often as a result of escapes or deliberate releases from private collections. Even more surprising are reports of albino wallabies with one recently captured and rescued near Dover in Kent. Their pale coats and red eyes are especially eye-catching in the British countryside.
Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
White peafowl are extraordinarily rare in the wild, and while there’s no definitive evidence to confirm this, most known white peafowl are the result of selective breeding in captivity, particularly among Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus).
Unlike albino animals, white peafowl typically have leucism, a genetic condition that causes a partial or total lack of pigment, while retaining normal eye colour. Their dazzling white plumage is often mistaken for albinism, but they usually have pale blue or hazel eyes instead of pink or red.
These striking birds are commonly found in aviaries, estates, and ornamental gardens, where they’ve been bred for their unique appearance.
Looking for more fantastic animal facts?
Check out our expert guides to weird animals, the most intelligent animals and the most colourful animals in the UK.
