‘Pink elephant’ photographed in South Africa: albinism, a rare genetic disease that also affects humans

Cases of albino wild animals are rare. This genetic disease can also affect a person who is not dangerous, but can cause discrimination.

The pink elephant was photographed in South Africa. He is about a year old, doing well…and so is the author of the photo. Because in general “pink elephant” refers to hallucinations associated with alcohol abuse. But none of that here, the keeper who spotted this little pink elephant in early February in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, had no idea. His photo was also published on the American popular science website Live Science. The pachyderm in question actually has albinism. A genetic mutation that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color.

In wild animals, this genetic mutation occurs approximately once in 10,000 births. Over the past five years, scientists have managed to identify the birth of an albino panda, a cougar and an albino kangaroo… Some birds, reptiles or fish may also be affected. But in any case, it remains rare.

Genetic disease twice as common in Africa

In humans, we know about twenty genes responsible for forms of albinism, but this genetic disease is also rare because it is a “recessive” anomaly. In other words, both parents must carry the gene in order to pass it on. The prevalence of albinism varies by geographic region. It affects one in 20,000 people in Europe and North America, but is twice as common in Africa. All these people then have fair skin and blond or red hair.

For ten years, the United Nations has organized Albinism Awareness Day every year on June 13. It is important to communicate about this rare disease because even though it is not dangerous, people who suffer from it still need to take precautions. Melanin is actually a photoprotective pigment: it protects the skin from UV radiation and also contributes to the development of the visual system. People with albinism therefore have particularly fragile eyes, with vision problems and a higher risk of skin cancer when exposed to the sun.

In addition, in certain areas of the world, especially in Africa, people with albinism are victims of discrimination or even accused of witchcraft. Over the past ten years, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has received 600 reports of attacks against children and adults affected by this genetic disease.