Floreana Island
The albino sea lion is back! Today, early in the morning many of us saw this adorable creature resting peacefully on a beach near a big sea lion colony. The sighting took me by surprise. The sea lion was just a few yards away from to shore. It was a great photo opportunity. One of our guests this week, Teresa Crichton, kindly lent me her digital camera to take the pictures you are watching now. To date, the albino sea lion is exactly 18 months and 15 days old. “She” was born on August 9th, 2001. I have been sending updates about her condition since she was born. Today she looked very healthy. Something was special today; her eyes were open. Last time I saw her eyes was about a year ago. They are reddish, a condition that is typical in individuals affected by albinism. In simple terms, albinism is a very interesting genetic pigmentary disorder that occurs in vertebrates. In mammals albinism is produced by the absence of the pigment melanin in the outer skin cells that are called melanocytes. Albinism shows the lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair, iris (what gives the eye its color) and retina. The amount of melanocytes is normal, but albinism causes a lack of melanin, due to a genetic deficiency of the enzyme tyrosinase.
Every time I see her it’s a very special occasion for me. It is just like keeping an eye on somebody you care for and love.
If you would like more information about this female albino sea lion please check our past archives.
The albino sea lion is back! Today, early in the morning many of us saw this adorable creature resting peacefully on a beach near a big sea lion colony. The sighting took me by surprise. The sea lion was just a few yards away from to shore. It was a great photo opportunity. One of our guests this week, Teresa Crichton, kindly lent me her digital camera to take the pictures you are watching now. To date, the albino sea lion is exactly 18 months and 15 days old. “She” was born on August 9th, 2001. I have been sending updates about her condition since she was born. Today she looked very healthy. Something was special today; her eyes were open. Last time I saw her eyes was about a year ago. They are reddish, a condition that is typical in individuals affected by albinism. In simple terms, albinism is a very interesting genetic pigmentary disorder that occurs in vertebrates. In mammals albinism is produced by the absence of the pigment melanin in the outer skin cells that are called melanocytes. Albinism shows the lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair, iris (what gives the eye its color) and retina. The amount of melanocytes is normal, but albinism causes a lack of melanin, due to a genetic deficiency of the enzyme tyrosinase.
Every time I see her it’s a very special occasion for me. It is just like keeping an eye on somebody you care for and love.
If you would like more information about this female albino sea lion please check our past archives.
