Galapagos Islands: completely white penguin discovered

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According to the national park, cases of albinism or leukism have never been detected in a Galapagos penguin

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JIMMY PATINO / AFP

A rare, completely white penguin has been discovered in the Galapagos Islands.

The animal could have a genetic defect, the Galapagos National Park announced on Thursday.

The genetic defect in question, known as leukism, causes "partial loss of pigmentation in the plumage, while the eye color remains normal, unlike albinos."

The Galapagos penguin was spotted a week ago on Isabela Island.

According to the national park, cases of albinism or leukism have already been recorded in sharks, lizards, lobsters and finches in the Galapagos Islands - but never in a Galapagos penguin.

The Galapagos penguins only grow up to 35 centimeters and are among the smallest representatives of their species. They are also the only penguin species that lives on the equator.

The Galapagos Islands have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

The archipelago's unique flora and fauna inspired the British researcher Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution.

The protected archipelago is located about a thousand kilometers off the coast of Ecuador.

It owes its name to the native Galapagos giant tortoises.

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sen / AFP