Rare, Pink Dolphin 'Pinkie' Spotted In Louisiana Waters

First Posted: Sep 10, 2015 01:21 AM EDT

Pinkie, a rare pink dolphin, was recently spotted in the Louisiana waterway, with reports that the animal may be pregnant.

Captain Erik Rue of Calcasieu Charter Service first spotted the creature back in 2007 in Calcasieu River's ship channel, according to New Orleans ABC affiliate WGNO.

Close to almost 10 years later, Rue said he sees Pinkie swimming nearly every day. He initially did not think that Pinkie could be an albino as he was 100 percent pink, according to KLFY News. However, this is probably not the case.

Genetic scientist Greg Barsh argues that Pinkie is still likely an albino, according to National Geographic. He conducts his research on the genetics of color variation at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Alabama.

Albinism occurs when cells fail to produce normal levels of the pigment melanin and two telltale signs of albinism include red eyes and blood vessels that can be seen through pale skin devoid of pigment, both of which Pinkie has.

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Tagsnature, Environment, Albinism, Pink, Dolphin, Pinky, Wild, Ocean