A Pennsylvania wildlife center was stunned to welcome not one, but two extremely rare albino cardinals into its care.
Raven Ridge Wildlife Center admitted the first albino cardinal, “Frosty,” back in July after he was found injured in a box under a car, the rehabilitation facility in Washington Boro posted on Facebook last week.
“It wasn’t until we opened the box that we realized it was, in fact, an albino Cardinal. The chances of seeing an albino cardinal are extremely low,” Raven Ridge Wildlife Center wrote in a statement.
The chances of encountering a cardinal with white feathers are an astonishing 1 in 30,000. But true albino cardinals — which lack all pigmentation — are even rarer, according to the center.
Raven Ridge Wildlife Center was shocked after beating the odds and admitting a second albino cardinal.
“Not only is it rare to see one albino cardinal, but we also admitted a second albino cardinal; we couldn’t believe that now we had two!” the center wrote.
The second feathered friend, who was unnamed, was admitted with a severe ear infection and, despite rescuers’ best efforts, died of his ailments.
“However, our team was pleasantly surprised and thrilled to have the opportunity to work with both Cardinals.”
Albino cardinals face “significant survival challenges” and are more vulnerable to predators because of their conspicuous coloring.
Male cardinals typically have bright red coloring, with a black face mask and red-orange bill, while female cardinals are a pale brown color with hints of red on their crest, wings, and tail.
The special albino birds lack melanin and have distinctive white plumage and reddish eyes, which can cause poor vision.
Frosty, however, is doing well and has “developed quite the personality,” the facility said.
The unique creature will have to be kept in captivity, as its chances of survival in the wild are slim.
“He is starting to molt and is showing more color in different areas,” Raven Ridge Wildlife Center said.
“This experience has been a valuable learning opportunity for our team, and we are grateful for the chance to work with this special Cardinal.”
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