Pinky (dolphin)
Albino bottlenose dolphin found in Calcasieu Lake, Louisiana
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pinky is an albino bottlenose dolphin found in Calcasieu Lake, Louisiana.[1] Pinky was first spotted in June 2007 by a boat captain, Erik Rue. In 2015, Rue was able to capture photo evidence of Pinky mating, proving that she is female.[2] The dolphin has become a tourist attraction, and conservationists have asked visitors to leave the dolphin alone.[3] Pinky's behavior is similar to the rest of the dolphins in her pod, although she tends to spend more time underwater.[3] The animal's popular name is derived from where it frequently lives as well as its skin hue.
Calcasieu Lake, Louisiana, US
| Species | Bottlenose dolphin |
|---|---|
| Sex | Female |
| Born | June 2007 Calcasieu Lake, Louisiana, US |
| Known for | Pink dolphin living in Calcasieu Lake, Louisiana |
| Owner | Erik Rue |
| Appearance | Pinkish/white hue due to albinism; visible blood vessels and reddish eyes |
Coloring
Although it is quite rare to see an albino animal in the wild, Pinky has a few signs that appear to confirm her albinism. Blood vessels and eyes with a reddish hue can be seen through Pinky's skin, a key indicator that the cells that normally make the pigment melanin, are hardly active in this dolphin's body.[4] Although albinism can be hereditary, it is unknown if Pinky's parents were of a pinkish/white hue or if they simply carried this specific gene mutation which they then passed down to Pinky.[4]
In 2017, a video was taken showing two albino dolphins swimming in the lake, presumed to be Pinky and her calf.[5]
