8 “Super Cute” Pink Animals, Some Weighing Over 200kg, While Others Only a Few Grams!
There are not many animal species with naturally pink skin or fur. Most are the result of genetic mutations that make them unique in the eyes of people. Pink animals that have been discovered are very rare and their numbers are dwindling over time. The unique pink color on these animals has made them more adorable than ever.
Dolphins
First to mention is the friendly dolphin, whose entire body is covered in a pastel pink color, making them even more endearing. According to scientists, the pink color on dolphins’ skin is due to albinism, but this condition is extremely rare in dolphins. The length of an adult pink dolphin ranges from 2 to 3.5 meters, and about 1 meter for juveniles, with an average weight of about 150 to 230 kg. There have been numerous sightings of pink dolphins swimming freely. For example, in Lake Calcasieu, USA, a pink dolphin with distinctive red eyes was spotted. Another pink dolphin was discovered in the Gulf of Mexico, causing a stir in the scientific community. In Thailand, a pair of pink dolphins reappeared unexpectedly in the waters of Ao Phang Nga National Park, attracting attention. Recently, a video captured a pink dolphin swimming at Do Son Beach, Hai Phong, delighting onlookers. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society has called for people to respect and observe these special dolphins from a distance, avoiding chasing them.
Flamingos
One of the few animals with a natural pink color is the flamingo. Flamingos are water birds belonging to the Phoenicopteridae family, living in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres, but more commonly in the Western Hemisphere. When born, baby flamingos have white feathers, which turn pink as they mature. Later, depending on their diet, their feathers may turn light pink, orange, or deep red. Flamingos are known for their peculiar habit of standing on one leg, which has puzzled many scientists. Some researchers speculate that flamingos stand on one leg to conserve energy and improve blood circulation.
“Six-Horned Dinosaur”
The Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is an amphibian species native to Mexico. They have a peculiar appearance with six gills, four legs, and a cute pink color. In Vietnam, aquarium enthusiasts have dubbed them “six-horned dinosaurs.” Axolotls are also related to tiger salamanders, thus they are sometimes called “water dragons.” Axolotls live mainly in freshwater, with four short, plump legs for moving along the lake bottom, and a thick tail for swimming like a crocodile.
Pink Frogs
Pink frogs are extremely rare and endangered amphibians. They were discovered by Panamanian scientists in 2008 in the El Valle and Campana regions, west of Panama City. These frogs have a striking pink color and a body length of about 22 cm. However, their impressive pink skin contains toxic fungi that hinder respiration through the skin. Researchers explain that the pink color of these frogs is due to pigment mutations, making them stand out in their environment.
Pink Iguanas
Galapagos pink iguanas were first discovered in 1986. Initially, scientists thought it was a skin problem, but later concluded that pink is the natural color of this species. Galapagos pink iguanas lack pigment to the extent that their blood can be seen through their skin. They mainly live on the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean and are declared by environmental organizations to be critically endangered, with fewer than 200 individuals remaining in the wild.
Pink Grasshoppers
This particular grasshopper, known as Katydid, belongs to the Tettigoniidae family. According to scientists, the pink color of this grasshopper is due to its diet. Some believe it is due to a lack of certain pigment cells, while others suggest it may be albinism. Their pink bodies can pose a danger as they are easily spotted among green leaves. However, the unusual pink color allows Katydid grasshoppers to camouflage among red or pink plants.
Pink Dragonflies
Roseate dragonflies (Orthemis ferruginea) have a unique pink color and are common in the Americas. They have a body length of about 46-55 mm. The entire body of these dragonflies is predominantly pink and dark purple. Interestingly, only males are pink, and the color is more vivid when they are young. As they mature, their pink color gradually turns to green. This may be a way for male dragonflies to attract mates.
Pink Fireflies
Fireflies, also known as glowworms, are small beetles belonging to the Lampyridae family and are capable of bioluminescence. Normally, they have gray or black bodies. However, a particular species, the California pink firefly (Microphotus angustus), is notable for its pink color, found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Female individuals of this species lack wings, with long, slender pink bodies that develop black spots over time. These are among the animals with unique pink bodies, belonging to rare species. According to scientists, they need to be conserved and protected.