An incredibly rare white koala has been born at Australia Zoo

AN incredible rare white koala has been born at Australia Zoo in Queensland, delighting visitors and veterinarians alike.

The famed wildlife park on the Sunshine Coast has been in the midst of ‘joey season’ for the past few months, with a number of new flurry arrivals finally emerging from mothers’ pouches.

But among them was something not often seen — an extremely pale youngster that added an extra element of surprise.

Dr Rosie Booth, director of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, explained it’s not a case of albinism, where colour is absent from all physical characteristics like skin, fur and eyes.

Rather, the female joey’s white colouration is the result of a recessive gene likely inherited from her mum Tia, who has birthed other pale coloured babies in the past.

“In veterinary science it’s often referred to as the ‘silvering gene’ where animals are born with white or very pale fur and, just like baby teeth, they eventually shed their baby fur and the regular adult colouration comes through,” Dr Booth said.

Source: White koala joey born at Australia Zoo: naming suggestions wanted | Perth Now