Some cute little penguin must’ve seen Happy Feet and decided that being different will get him places. How else can one explain the all-black appearance of the normally black-and-white feathered look these flightless South Georgian birds waddle around with? Because really, this guy’s getting a lot of attention.
Ok, so after a National Geographic photographer discovered this anomaly, scientists have claimed that it isn’t about the attention-seeking needs of this peculiar King Penguin. Biologists say this case is a “one in a zillion kind of mutation” in which the animal has lost control of its pigmentation. Dr. Allan Baker of the University of Toronto claims that the rarity of this bird can be explained by melanin deposits occurring in places where they are typically not present.
Science-schmience. We’re on to you little guy (or girl).
The maverick, who thus far has remained nameless, appears to be in good health. But with the sudden push into fame, Tonic feels we should properly respect this penguin and give it a name. Have any good suggestions?
Photo by Taro416 via Flickr.
