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Pink elephant is caught on camera

2012-01-23 06:07:19

By Rebecca Morelle

Science reporter, BBC News

A pink baby elephant has been caught on camera in Botswana.

A wildlife cameraman took pictures of the calf when he spotted it among a herd

of about 80 elephants in the Okavango Delta.

Experts believe it is probably an albino, which is an extremely rare phenomenon

in African elephants.

They are unsure of its chances of long-term survival - the blazing African

sunlight may cause blindness and skin problems for the calf.

Mike Holding, who spotted the baby while filming for a BBC wildlife programme,

said: "We only saw it for a couple of minutes as the herd crossed the river.

"This was a really exciting moment for everyone in camp. We knew it was a rare

sighting - no-one could believe their eyes."

Baby pink elephant in Botswana

The harsh sun poses a serious threat to the animal's survival, say experts

Albino elephants are not usually white, but instead they have more of a

reddish-brown or pink hue.

While albinism is thought to be fairly common in Asian elephants, it is much

less common in the larger African species.

Ecologist Dr Mike Chase, who runs conservation charity Elephants Without

Borders, said: "I have only come across three references to albino calves,

which have occurred in Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Baby pink elephant in Botswana (Mike Holding)

Surviving this very rare phenomenon is very difficult in the harsh African bush

Dr Mike Chase, Elephants Without Borders

"This is probably the first documented sighting of an albino elephant in

northern Botswana.

"We have been studying elephants in the region for nearly 10 years now, and

this is the first documented evidence of an albino calf that I have come

across."

He said that the condition might make it difficult for the calf to survive into

adulthood.

"What happens to these young albino calves remains a mystery," said Dr Chase.

"Surviving this very rare phenomenon is very difficult in the harsh African

bush. The glaring sun may cause blindness and skin problems."

However, he told BBC News that there might be a ray of hope for the pink calf

as it already seemed to be learning to adapt to its condition.

I have learned that elephants are highly adaptable, intelligent and masters of

survival

Dr Mike Chase, Elephants Without Borders

Dr Chase explained: "Because this elephant calf was sighted in the Okavango

Delta, he may have a greater chance of survival. He can seek refuge under the

large trees and cake himself in a thick mud, which will protect him from the

Sun.

"Already the two-to-three-month-old calf seems to be walking in the shade of

its mother.

"This behaviour suggests it is aware of its susceptibility to the harsh African

sun, and adapted a unique behaviour to improve its chances of survival."

He added: "I have learned that elephants are highly adaptable, intelligent and

masters of survival."