Anna Caplan
This breeding season, a zoo in Australia welcomed 12 new koalas. However, one baby koala was born white due to a rare silvering gene that makes the animal quite a novelty.
Videos by Rare
RELATED: A tiny koala bear jumps on this human’s leg for one giant cuddle session
Now, the Australia Zoo in Queensland wants the public’s help in naming the unique creature, who is just starting to emerge from its mother’s pouch.
“In veterinary science it is often referred to as the ‘silvering gene’ where animals are born with white or very pale fur,” says Rosie Booth, the zoo’s wildlife hospital director, according to the BBC. “[J]ust like baby teeth, they eventually shed their baby fur and the regular adult coloration comes through.”
RELATED: This little baby koala will melt your heart to the point of no return
With silly names being bandied about — from Tofu to Daenerys — the koala’s white fur might not be the only thing unique about her. The zoo has posted a call for names on their Facebook, so help them find an adorably appropriate name for this rare koala.
[protected-iframe id=”9e3b1795deb6f6983aac2b39e2cd09a6-46934866-65121066″ info=”https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSeeAustralia%2Fvideos%2F10155656684395909%2F&show_text=1&width=560″ width=”560″ height=”607″ frameborder=”0″ style=”border:none;overflow:hidden” scrolling=”no”]
