Monterey Bay, California /
A rare white dolphin visited the waters of California. Scientists call it ‘Casper’, in reference to a children’s series about a friendly ghost. The dolphin was caught swimming in Monterey Bay in the days leading up to Halloween.
According to marine biologist Nancy Black, it is very common to see Casper swimming in these waters.
“You can see him at any time of the year, sometimes he stays for several months with his family and other Risso dolphins,” Black told the outlet. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
The staff of Monterey Bay Whale Watch saw Casper twice in the last week during his expeditions. Scientists believe that the dolphin is about 9 years old, but could live up to 35 years.
Casper He travels frequently with his mother and has been seen as far north as Davenport, with groups of hundreds and even thousands of other dolphins.
The photographer of Monterey Bay Whale Watch, Daniel Bianchetta, saw it for the first time in 2015 and named the dolphin.
“It was magical”, said Bianchetta, “the name seemed appropriate. We didn’t see him for six months straight, so It was like a ghost, sometimes you saw it and then you didn’t see it“.
According to Nancy Black, the dolphin is not exactly albino, but has a genetic mutation called ‘leucism’. It represses melanin and other pigments that give skin its color. And unlike albino mammals, Casper does not have pink or red eyes. For Black, this is a rare dolphin, because in 30 years as a researcher she has not seen another like it.
Risso’s Dolphins (as Casper) they are quite sociable and playful and are always with other dolphins”, dijo Black.
Its characteristics will allow them to better understand the dolphins and do investigation about them.
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