News » Local News

All-White Killer Whale Spotted Off Coast of Russia

By Miguel Llanos

Credit: © Far East Russia Orca Project

Iceberg appears very healthy, researchers say.

Gallery
  •  Click to enlarge

    Iceberg and his family group off the Commander Islands.

    (© Far East Russia Orca Project)

2 photos

April 23, 2012 Updated Apr 23, 2012 at 4:29 PM PDT

(msnbc.com) An all-white, and possibly albino, killer whale has been spotted in seas off eastern Russia, scientists reported Monday, dubbing the adult male "Iceberg."

"In many ways, Iceberg is a symbol of all that is pure, wild and extraordinarily exciting about what is out there in the ocean waiting to be discovered," Erich Hoyt, co-director of the Far East Russia Orca Project, said in a statement. "The challenge is to keep the ocean healthy so that such surprises are always possible."

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The researchers, who are studying killer whales in an area that's also seen as an opportunity for oil development, say Iceberg is the first adult, all-white male orca to have been documented.

For more on this story click here!

To submit a comment on this article, your email address is required. We respect your privacy and your email will not be visible to others nor will it be added to any email lists.