Two rare white orcas are spotted off the coast of Japan

You wait ages for a white whale…then TWO come along! Stunned animal-watchers spot a PAIR of rare orcas off the coast of Japan

Whale-watchers off the coast of Japan were treated to a truly remarkable sight as they spotted not just one, but two rare white orcas swimming together. The incredible encounter took place during a whale-watching tour on July 24 in the Kunashirskiy Strait, a stretch of water between the northern islands of Hokkaido and Kunashir.

The orcas were observed by Mai, an employee of the Gojiraiwa-Kanko tour company. She described one of the pair as an older orca with slightly darker skin, while the other was a younger individual displaying clear scratch marks along its back. Interestingly, the older whale had been sighted approximately two years ago, but this was the first time both animals were seen together, and it was an exhilarating experience for all involved.

Mai expressed her excitement, saying, “It was the best day ever. This is the first time two white orcas have been seen off the coast of Japan.” The rare sighting left Japanese whale-watchers astonished as they marveled at the presence of these unique creatures off the coast of Hokkaido, one of Japan’s northernmost islands.

The white orcas belong to a pod primarily comprised of normally pigmented individuals. However, these two orcas are believed to carry a gene that causes leucism, a condition in which partial loss of skin pigment occurs, resulting in a white appearance. Unlike true albinos that lack all melanin, these orcas exhibit leucism, which allows for some melanin production. Consequently, faint markings are still visible on their skin, and their eyes retain their dark color instead of the characteristic red associated with albinism.

This distinction explains why the white patches usually seen around an orca’s chin and eyes are still discernible on the two individuals sighted near Japan. It also clarifies why their eyes have not turned red, as seen in albinos. Additionally, the younger orca bears noticeable scarring along its side, where the scar tissue appears to have healed in a darker shade compared to the surrounding white skin. This further highlights the uniqueness of these extraordinary animals.

White orcas and whales were once so rare that they were considered mythical creatures. However, in recent years, sightings have become more frequent, with scientists now aware of at least five living individuals with similar coloration. This increasing occurrence has provided researchers with valuable opportunities to study and understand the genetics and characteristics of these fascinating animals.

The remarkable sighting of two white orcas off the coast of Japan serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring diversity found in our oceans. It also underscores the importance of preserving and protecting these remarkable creatures and their habitats to ensure their continued existence for generations to come.

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