When God Runs out of Paint: 26 Albino Animals

No matter how powerful God seems to be, he sometimes just runs out of paint (melanin), and every time this happens an albino animal is born.

Albinism (from Latin albus, white) in animals is a form of hypopigmentary congenital disorder, characterized by a partial lack or total absence of melanin pigment in the eyes, skin and hair, or more rarely in the eyes alone. This rare genetic disorder results in animals (and humans) that are unusually pale. Albino eyes also appear red because the underlying retinal blood vessels show through where there isn't enough pigment to cover them. Albino animals can reproduce, despite popular belief, and laboratory rats bred in captivity are some of the best examples of this.

However, albino animals are rare in nature, and man has always had a fascination for these unusual animals since ancient times. The symbolic meaning of albinos varied in different cultures: some considered these white animals as sacred, while others, as demonic.

It's up to you to decide whether these beautiful animals are sacred or demoniac, but I'm sure you will find it very educational to see this list of 26 albino animals. There are even a few famous albinos here too, like Snowflake the gorilla and Snowdrop the penguin. Cute names! Surely these critters don't fall into the 'evil albino' stereotype that we see so often.

Check out part two for more albino animals!

The growth and development of an animal with albinism are the same as that of a normal individual.

Only one in ten thousand hedgehogs are born totally white with red eyes.

Albinos are generally as healthy as the rest of their species with normal growth and development as well as the capability of reproduction. Although not pictured here, Claude the albino alligator is another example of an albino reptile.

These rare animals with albinism can sunburn easily from overexposure. Some albino zoo animals are known to be slathered on with sunblock to protect them from the sun's harmful rays.

The survival rate of albino animals may be less than a normal animal of the same species. Their white coat makes it difficult to hide from enemies. This squirrel looks similar to the common albino laboratory rat.

No, this is NOT a polar bear. The Kermode bear, also known as a spirit bear, lives in the central and northern regions of British Columbia, Canada.

Snowflake (c. 1964 - November 24, 2003) was an albino gorilla. He was the only known albino gorilla so far (although not the only ape), and the most popular resident of the Barcelona Zoo in Catalonia, Spain. Sadly, he died of skin cancer as a result of being unprotected from the UV light of the sun.

Albino animals may face problems of vision, making it difficult for them to hunt for food and protect themselves from danger.

Albinism in fish is highly affected by the eggs exposure to heavy metals.