The world’s only known albino gorilla, Snowflake, died in 2003. Currently, no albino gorillas are known to exist in captivity or the wild. Although Snowflake was the single documented case of albinism in the species, the genes responsible for the trait are not extinct. The genetic mutation is still present and carried unknowingly within the Western Lowland Gorilla population, meaning the potential for another albino gorilla to be born remains. This rare condition results from a lack of melanin pigment.
The Science of Albinism in Gorillas
Albinism in gorillas is a recessive genetic condition known as Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 1 (OCA1). It is characterized by a near-complete lack of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin is the natural pigment that provides color and protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation. The absence of this pigment is caused by a mutation in the \(SLC45A2\) gene, which is involved in melanin production within pigment cells.
The mutation that caused albinism in Snowflake has been identified within the \(SLC45A2\) gene. This gene variation is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning an individual must inherit a copy of the mutated gene from both parents to exhibit the trait. If a gorilla inherits only one copy of the mutated gene, it will appear normally pigmented but will be a carrier of the albino trait. This recessive inheritance pattern explains why the trait is rare, as the mutation can remain hidden for generations until two carriers reproduce.
The Legacy of Snowflake
Snowflake, a male Western Lowland Gorilla, remains the most famous case of albinism, driving decades of scientific interest. He was captured in 1966 in the jungles of Equatorial Guinea after his normally pigmented mother was killed. Named “Copito de Nieve” or “Snowflake” upon his transport to the Barcelona Zoo, his striking white fur, light eyes, and pink skin captivated the world.
Analysis of Snowflake’s genome revealed that his parents were likely related, possibly an uncle and niece, sharing an estimated 12 percent of their DNA. This inbreeding increased the probability that two carriers of the recessive gene would produce an albino offspring. Snowflake fathered 22 offspring with three different mates, none of whom were albino. All of his surviving children are considered heterozygous carriers of the recessive gene. Snowflake died in 2003 in his late 30s from a form of skin cancer, a condition linked to his lack of protective melanin pigment.
Current Population Status and Genetic Presence
Since Snowflake’s death, no other albino gorillas have been documented in the wild or in captivity. While the albino phenotype is currently absent, the gene itself persists within the Western Lowland Gorilla population. This subspecies is the most numerous but also the most threatened. All of Snowflake’s surviving offspring and an estimated half of his grandchildren are carriers, ensuring the mutant \(SLC45A2\) gene remains in the captive gene pool.
The current conservation focus is on the survival of the species, as the Western Lowland Gorilla is classified as critically endangered. Their numbers have declined by over 60 percent in the last two decades due to threats like the Ebola virus, poaching, and habitat loss. Although there is no specific program dedicated to monitoring the albino gene in the wild, general genetic monitoring of the captive population helps track Snowflake’s lineage.
The recessive nature of the albino gene means it can be passed down silently through generations of normally pigmented gorillas. The chances of two carriers mating and producing another albino gorilla are low. The possibility exists, especially if habitat fragmentation or other pressures lead to increased inbreeding in isolated wild populations.