Good news from California: Frosty, a young white orca about 5 years old, has reappeared along the coast, delighting marine life enthusiasts. On November 24, Monterey Bay whale watchers spotted her again during a boat outing, and as always, her unique coloration made her unmistakable. Frosty is distinguished by her light skin, which has fascinated marine biologists and fans worldwide since she was first sighted in 2019.
This characteristic is likely due to a genetic anomaly called leucism, a partial loss of pigment production in the skin, similar to albinism. However, another hypothesis suggests that Frosty may be affected by Chediak-Higashi syndrome, a rare genetic immune disorder that also manifests with pale skin pigmentation.
Evan Brodsky, a marine biologist at Monterey Bay Whale Watch, shared his excitement about the sighting, emphasizing the fragility of animals affected by such rare conditions. "The other two orcas previously confirmed with Chediak-Higashi syndrome did not survive beyond five years," Brodsky wrote on Instagram. "Every time Frosty is spotted along the West Coast, it is a gift and a celebration."
Frosty was seen with her mother, identified by the code CA216C, and other members of her pod, belonging to a specific population known as Bigg's killer whales. These North American orcas, named after Canadian marine biologist Michael Bigg, travel in smaller groups and primarily hunt marine mammals such as seals, dolphins, and other cetaceans. According to a recent study, they may even represent a separate species, Orcinus rectipinnus.
Frosty (whose sex is still unknown) and her mother have been observed multiple times over the years in locations ranging from the Mexican border to Alert Bay in British Columbia. Despite her unusual coloration potentially making her more vulnerable, Frosty appears to be healthy, as she has virtually no natural predators. Orcas are apex predators at the top of the food chain, capable of hunting marine mammals, dolphins, whales, and even the largest sharks in the world.
The reappearance of Frosty is not only a fascinating event for onlookers but also a reminder of the extraordinary diversity and beauty of marine biodiversity. We hope this wonderful white orca, lovingly protected by her mother and family, continues to swim through the waters of the Pacific Ocean, enchanting anyone lucky enough to encounter her.