© The Associated Press In this April 20, 2019, photo released by Wolong National Nature Reserve, an all white giant panda is captured by an infra-red triggered remote camera at the Wolong Nature Reserve in southwest China's Sichuan province. A rare all-white giant panda has been photographed for the first time in southwestern China, according to a statement by local authorities. Wolong National Nature Reserve released a photo on Saturday, May 25, 2019 clearly showing the panda, with full white fur and claws and red eyes, is crossing through the verdant forest. (Wolong National Nature Reserve via AP) |
From Associated Press
BEIJING — A rare all-white giant panda has been photographed for the first time, according to a nature reserve in southwestern China.
Wolong National Nature Reserve in Sichuan province released a photo this past weekend showing the panda crossing through a verdant forest in the reserve.
The panda has red eyes and lacks the usual black fur on its limbs and ears and around its eyes.
The albino panda is about 1 to 2 years old judging from its size, the reserve said in a statement. It appears to be physically strong and has a steady gait, showing that the albinism probably hasn't affected its health.
The unusual panda was caught by a camera that was triggered by the panda's movement as it passed by in early April.
Albinism does not affect body structure or activities, but it does make an animal easier to spot and more sensitive to direct sunlight, Li Sheng, a Peking University researcher, said in the statement.