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EleFact Friday: Pink Elephants On Parade?

On EleFACT Friday, we like to bring you facts about elephants that you may have never heard, elaborate on some lesser-known theories, and share more detailed stories about the sanctuary elephants and their anatomy. Today, however, we’ll be busting a myth. 

You may have heard of the phrase “seeing pink elephants” to describe someone who’s maybe had a bit too much to drink. But is there any validity to that phrase? 

Seeing a pink elephant isn’t actually impossible, although it is extremely rare and doesn’t have anything to do with a night out on the town. There are some elephants with a condition called leucism, which causes an abnormal or reduced pigmentation that is marked by an overall pale color. The animals have a genetic mutation that inhibits melanin and other pigments from being deposited in their skin or hair. Different from albinism, this condition can actually lead to elephant calves appearing as pink, since it causes their skin to be a much lighter shade of red or brown.

Leucistic elephants’ pigmentation typically darkens as they grow older, only leaving pink behind their ears. Spotting a fully pink calf in the wild is extremely rare. Elephants experiencing this condition may encounter issues in harsh weather conditions, as sunlight can be extremely damaging to their lighter skin.

In Asian elephants, pink skin can be present and seen as speckling across their bodies, which is due to a lack of pigmentation and not leucism. This can be influenced by genetics, nutrition, habitat, or age. 

Photo of Maia, showing off her speckled skin pigment

Comments(7)

  1. REPLY
    Rachel says

    Love it! Thanks for the myth busting education.

  2. REPLY
    Carol says

    Interesting… I always assumed that the pigmentation was due to the sloughing of her epidermis. Rubbing and scratching on tree trunks. Shows you how ignorant I am.
    Thank you for the explanation!!

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      We all learn something new every day, it seems!

  3. REPLY
    Beji says

    Oh my….and I thought that 3rd glass of wine was a bad idea..
    I did see some pretty in pink eles…just kidding…sorta…

  4. REPLY
    Tammy says

    Maia such a pretty girl in pink! We always learn so much thank you for another interesting lesson about elephants i really enjoy how the girls are the stars it also helps bring us closer to them too a win win for sure! 🐘 💞 🐘

  5. REPLY
    Debbie Sides says

    Is that what Khanyisa at HERD is because they often refer to her as pink. She’s cute as a button!

  6. REPLY
    Sallie says

    AWWWW, PRECIOUS MAIA, You look stunning in your “Pinkness”, and you look perfect for Fall and Thanksgiving! I cannot wait to see what you do for Christmas! Congrats on your impressive styling from head to toe. Can’t wait to see what you do with your curly locks for Christmas! Big virtual hugs to your and your gal friends.

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