Ijams has a new, pale education animal

Albino black rat snake becomes part of Ijams education staff

Recently, Paul Osborne, owner of All Creatures Wildlife Services, rescued an albino black rat snake from a local basement. It is unclear how long it had been there but Paul knew it was very unusual. It was also quite beautiful.  

Ijams veterinarian Dr. Louise Conrad

Normally when Paul rescues an animal from a home he takes it away from civilization and releases it but he knew an albino snake didn't stand much of a chance of surviving out in the world because it lacks its protective camouflage. Something is going to spot it and kill it.

So, Paul called Ijams and we called T.W.R.A. to work out the necessary paperwork. (All of our education animals have permits.) 

The remarkable snake is now part of our education staff and will be shown to visitors and school groups for years to come. Ijams also has a young albino box turtle, both are under the care of Ijams veterinarian Dr. Louise Conrad.  

Wikipedia: Albinism (from the Latin albus meaning "white") is a congenital disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes due to absence or defect of tyrosinase, a copper-containing enzyme involved in the production of melanin, an ubiquitous color pigment found in most organisms. Albinism results from inheritance of recessive gene alleles and is known to affect all vertebrates, including humans.

Welcome to the staff.  And thank you, Paul.

- Story and photos by Stephen Lyn Bales 

Animals with albinism even lack color pigments in their eyes