Rare white whale spotted in New Zealand
A rare white (albino) humpback whale has been spotted off the coast of New Zealand. The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DoC) whale survey sighted the whale, thought to be one of just four in the world, in Cook Strait, between the North and South Islands. It is thought that the whale may be Migaloo, a humpback aged at least 24 whot has been sighted annually over several years off the east coast of Australia. A DNA sample will be able to confirm this.
Albinism, the complete or partial absence of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes, is thought to have occurred in around 20 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises, but sightings are uncommon.
Read more about albino whales and dolphins.
