Animal Kingdom Welcomes Quartz, a Wallaby Joey With Albinism
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a new baby wallaby. Jumping Junction is now home to Quartz, a joey born with albinism. The little girl has white fur, a pink nose, and red eyes, a striking contrast to her mother’s darker coloring.
Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team introduced her on social media:
“Meet Quartz, our newest wallaby joey at Jumping Junction! Born with albinism, Quartz’s rare appearance makes her one of a kind at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Keep your eyes peeled for this special little joey during your next visit!”
Albinism results in little to no melanin, the pigment responsible for coloring an animal’s fur, skin, and eyes. The condition is recessive, meaning both parents must carry the gene. Disney says Quartz receives specialized care because of her albinism.
Quartz isn’t the only wallaby joey born with the rare condition. Australia’s Symbio Wildlife Park welcomed one with albinism two years ago.
Guests can discover Quartz, along with other wallabies and kangaroos, at Jumping Junction in Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station. The walk-through experience is part of the area’s recent reimagining, which also includes Bluey’s Wild World.
