Watch the sighting here:
Theo Potgieter sent his video of this unusual sighting to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while watching elephants from a bridge in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Elephants at the river
As Theo’s video begins, we see a herd of elephants at the river. While some bathe in the water, others stand nearby drinking, feeding and socialising.
In the middle of the herd, there are several calves, lovingly watched over by their protective relatives. On closer inspection, though, something seems to be amiss.
Alongside one of the bathing calves, there is a pink shape. As the calves interact with it, it is apparent that it is some kind of animal. But what?
Its colour is unusual, a pink-brown shade that is difficult to place in a natural context. However, neither the calf nor the other elephants appear concerned about its presence.
Tell-tale clues
After some time, we finally get a clue what we are looking at. In fact, it is enough to explain what the strange creature is.
As the shape rolls onto its side, a very familiar shape emerges from the water. It is the trunk of a baby elephant!
Subsequently, the strangely coloured calf becomes more visible. As it lifts its head from the water, even its conspicuous ears are revealed to be a different colour from its playmates.
Pink elephants do exist!
When the video cuts to a new scene, it reveals the uniquely coloured calf in clearer detail. Now standing on a sandbar, we see that the calf’s entire body is a pale pink colour, even its eyelashes!
The rest of the herd is completely unfazed by its colour, most especially its mother, who watches it lovingly.
But why does it have this curious colour. As you might have guessed, this calf is an albino. Albinism is a rare genetic condition which renders the skin, hair and eyes a pink to reddish-brown hue.
While Asian elephants commonly display this trait, researchers have documented it only a handful of times in African elephants. Experts estimate that this occurs in just one out of every ten thousand births.
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Challenges of albinism
Albinism in elephants can present affected calves with various challenges. While this calf appears fully accepted by its herd, there have been instances where others were rejected.
As is common in albinism, the calf’s skin will be highly susceptible to sunburn and sun damage. By bathing in mud and dust, like the elephant on the left in the above image, it may get some relief.
Their pale eyes are also vulnerable to premature deterioration, even blindness in the harsh African sun. This could hamper its ability to feed, navigate and avoid danger.
So far, so good
Thankfully, at the time the of the video, the calf is in good health. It seems to be feeding well, as there are no jutting bones visible around its shoulders, spine or hips.
It is socialising well with its peers, meaning it will establish lasting bonds with them. And, most importantly, it is accepted both by its mother and the herd at large.
We wish this special creature a long, fruitful and normal life.