Puma makes history by giving birth to ultra-rare albino cub

A puma has given birth to an ultra-rare albino cub in Nicaragua.

The Thomas Belt Zoo in Juigalpa has announced the incredible news and, according to the Daily Mail, this is the first time an albino cub has been born in captivity in Central America.

The outlet says there are only four albino pumas alive in the world, so this birth is truly something to be marvelled.

Zoo veterinarian Carlos Molina told Reuters that the cub and mum are doing well.

A lot of care is being taken to ensure the baby puma survives as they are more susceptible to the sun's rays due to their white fur.

Molina is yet to inspect the cub to see what gender it is and they are making sure it gets to bond with the mother.

The Thomas Belt Zoo wrote on Facebook (translated from Spanish): "The director of the Thomas Belt Zoo informs the families of Chontales, Nicaragua and the media that, on the recommendations of the veterinarian of our institution, access is being restricted to the cubicle where the cougar born with the rare condition is being hosted of albinism.

"We are an institution committed to animal welfare and we are striving to provide the best conditions the breed requires for its survival.

"We hope to allow your appreciation and enjoyment in a little while."

The albino baby is being housed in a separate sealed cage to its siblings as mother pumas have been known to attack if they are confused or stressed over the presence of other odours.

The zoo receives up to 60,000 visitors a year, however this could increase as people flock to the facility to feast their eyes of one of the rarest animal in the world.

But if you thought that was the wildest animal update this week, think again.

It was revealed that the 'rarest giraffe in the world' has been born in the US - without any spots.

Brights Zoo

The baby was born on 31 July at Brights Zoo in Limestone, Tennessee, and stands at around six feet tall.

"A newborn giraffe will suckle its mother’s milk as soon as it can stand up – that’s why they need to be so tall at birth," the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) explains.

"Calves are reliant on their mother’s milk for up to 9-12 months. They start eating solid food (leaves) from about 4 months at which time they also start to ruminate."

But what makes this giraffe stand out from the rest is that she is believed to be the only one of its kind on Earth, zoo officials said.

The zoo has since made a special request to the public to help them name the baby giraffe, who is now available for viewing.

Brights Zoo have narrowed down to four names:

1) Kipekee - Unique

2) Firyali - Unusual or extradonary

3) Shakiri - She is most beautiful

4) Jamella - One of great beauty

Topics: Animals

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Senior Journalist at LADbible. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign. He is in charge of the LADbible Australia editorial content and social presence.

@stewartperrie