Tokuyuki Hayakawa, a renowned wildlife photographer from Japan, has spent over 15 years capturing the beauty of orcas in the waters around Hokkaido. Recently, he shared an extraordinary sighting of a rare white orca, which he described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Hayakawa has been passionate about photographing various animals across Japan, but his heart belongs to the orca pods near Rausu, Hokkaido. He has traveled extensively throughout Japan, capturing both terrestrial and marine life, yet his fascination with the orcas of Hokkaido remains unwavering.
Last year, while on a whale-watching expedition, Hayakawa encountered an unprecedented sight: a white orca swimming among a group of about 20-30 other orcas. The excitement was palpable as he captured this rare moment, his hands shaking with exhilaration. The white orca, with a creamy appearance that shone like gold in the sunlight, left an indelible mark on Hayakawa's memory.
2024.6.17 14:46
— 知床ドリーム (@hayakawa0622) 2024年6月17日
北海道羅臼沖で白いシャチに遭遇しました。2021年に目撃された2頭の白いシャチと同じ個体かもしれません。
発見したのは『観光船はまなす』と思われます。私が乗っていたのは『知床ネイチャークルーズ... pic.twitter.com/Fm5AisJFJ3
From the footage, it is clear that the white orca blends in with its pod, suggesting that it has been accepted by the group. While the exact cause of its white coloration is uncertain, observations suggest that it may be suffering from leucism rather than complete albinism. Leucism is a condition where there is a partial loss of skin pigmentation, but not a complete absence, as seen in albinism. The orca's eyes and faint markings on its body support this diagnosis.
Leucism and albinism can pose challenges for animals in the wild, making them more conspicuous to predators and potentially affecting their survival. However, in this case, the white orca seems to have found acceptance and protection within its pod.
Hayakawa's remarkable photographs and videos have sparked widespread interest, offering a glimpse into the rare and enchanting world of these marine mammals.
