SPACE5R8T

Yellow king penguin was just spotted in a colony of 120,000 — and scientists have no idea how it got that way A rare yellow king penguin was photographed on South Georgia Island in the South Atlantic, standing out among a colony of around 120,000 birds. Wildlife photographer Yves Adams captured the moment as the unusually colored penguin came ashore. Experts say the bird isn’t albino, but likely has a rare genetic mutation called leucism, which reduces melanin production. With less melanin, the penguin’s black feathers fade, revealing pale yellow and white tones normally hidden. Melanin plays an important role in feather strength and camouflage. Without it, feathers may wear out faster, and the penguin may be more visible while hunting, potentially affecting its survival. Scientists estimate that only one penguin in tens of thousands would show this trait, making the sighting exceptionally rare. Learn more: “‘Strange pale penguin’: rare yellow and white bird discovered among king penguins in Atlantic.” The Guardian, 2021