For the past two weeks, there has been murmurs on the radio and amongst the team of an incredibly unique sighting of an albino zebra foal moving quietly within a herd of plains zebra across the reserve.
At first glance it is almost impossible to miss. Where a zebra’s coat usually carries the sharp contrast of black and white stripes, this young foal appears washed white, its stripes faint and ghostlike. Against the surrounding herd it stands out immediately; a striking and unusual presence in the grasslands!
Albinism is a rare genetic condition caused by a lack of pigment in the skin and hair. In the wild, where camouflage and blending into a herd are vital for survival, this difference inevitably presents challenges… the foal’s white coat makes it far more conspicuous than the rest of the dazzle, something predators will almost certainly notice.
What has been encouraging, however, is the behaviour of the herd around it. In each of the few sightings our team has seen of it so far, the foal appears fully integrated among the herd of zebra, as well as often loosely associated with nearby wildebeest. This acceptance is significant. There is greater safety in numbers.
In the past, we witnessed an albino buffalo that was aggressively rejected by its own herd, a far more difficult start to life. In this case, however, it appears the young zebra seems to have been welcomed into the protective fold of the group.
A few years ago, Sean Zeederberg managed to capture an albino buffalo calf that unfortunately did not live very long.
In the images above and below of the zebra foal, you may also notice what appears to be mange or hair loss on parts of the foal’s face. This is not uncommon even in a perfectly typical zebra. Young animals often develop small patches of temporary hair loss as their coats grow and minor skin irritations come and go.
For example, when foals nurse from their mother, they often end up chafing their nuzzle on the inner thighs of their mother as they suckle. In this foal’s case, it also offers a reminder of another aspect of albinism: without protective pigment in the skin, these animals are often even more vulnerable to sun damage and related skin conditions, which is why it looks more severe on this particular foal.
In the wilderness, standing out can often place a target on your back. And yet, every so often, we encounter individuals that remind us just how diverse and remarkable nature can be, much like the female impala we’ve often seen over the years with horns (another example that immediately comes to mind).
A unique female impala that we speculate has a genetic anomaly that led to her possessing horns, a trait typically reserved only for male impala.
Sightings like these, therefore, feel all the more special – a quiet reminder that moments of uniqueness in the wilderness are rare, and always worth celebrating.
Although the odds are against it, I do wish this little foal well. I’m glad that it has been accepted by the herd so it won’t be abandoned. That give me hope.
Hope the foal survives
Hi Kate, we’ll… it’s simply adorable! Surely its coat is not an advantage. I’m so glad it’s fully integrated! I remember the poor buffalo calf and its mum, being rejected… it seems that other buffalo of the herd, likely mothers, consider it as a danger to their own offspring, leading predators towards the herd. I don’t remember what happened exactly, also to its mother… yes I remember the impala female with horns. There are lionesses that grow a mane, like males, usually older ones. Their testosterone levels raise and they acquire a great physical power. It is supposed to make them able to defend the pride more efficiently. On the opposite side, elephant females born without tasks… especially in places when they are persistently hunted by human hunters, in Asia more than elsewhere. Male lions, on the contrary, tend to have balder heads or very short mane for the same causes. I wonder, if that repeats more often, if female impala need to be stronger and able to fight… who knows, nature is a never-ending marvel, like zebras that are so gorgeous animals….
Kate, So amazing! Thanks for sharing such a special and interesting story. The herd will move away too, right?
Really interesting article on albinos, Kate. It is great for this foal that the herd seems to accept it and its mother as well.
Do these albinos have problems with their eyes, by the way?
I think I once read that this might be the case, but I am not sure whether it’s true or not.
Hi Kate, this is very rare to see an albino Zebra foal in the wild. It is heart warming to see the herd are embracing the foal and not rejecting it. Hope it makes it to adulthood. Seeing the female impala with these horns is confusing.
Fascinating Kate! Let’s hope it survives into adulthood. 🙏
Hi Kate, first of all thanks for including your wonderful photos of this albino zebra foal. It’s heartening to read this foal seems to have been integrated into the herd, unlike the white buffalo that I saw a few years ago that was only being protected by its mother. Seeing your post reminded me of other stories of unexpected sightings in the wilderness, flora and fauna, most with positive outcomes. So, fingers crossed this little foal will continue to grow and assimilate completely into its herd.
Virtual Safari #316 – Not quite Black and white. Hi Sean, really enjoyed the last video and have a question re the white zebra. While I understand that we do not interfere with the wildlife is there any way that a “contact lenses” could be made and fitted with a polaroid filter in the lenses to protect the zebra from the harsh rays of the sun during the day and has it ever been tried before? Obviously, it will need to be made in such a manner that the zebra is still able to see at night but means better sight during the day. Thanks for all your amazing videos – We are returning for our 8th visit in 29 days and cannot wait. Nothing in Australia compares to the beauty, serenity and magnificent bush we get to see and enjoy for 3 weeks every year in Africa.
Lana, what a question! I love the creativity behind it. The short answer is that it hasn’t been tried and realistically it falls outside what we could do without causing more stress to the animal than the benefit it would bring. Capturing and sedating a foal that young, fitting lenses, and then repeating the process as it grows would be incredibly invasive and the chances of it working practically are slim. As tough as it is, the best thing we can do for this foal is let it find its own way. Nature can surprise us.
Twenty nine days and counting. We cannot wait to welcome you back. There really is nothing quite like three weeks in the bush and I hope this trip delivers something truly special for you.