Endearing! Rare, tiny albino puma cub born in Nicaragua zoo draws crowds

A zoo in the Central American country of Nicaragua has become the centre of attention after an albino puma cub was born there. It is rare for such a cub to be born in captivity and hence tourists and animal lovers are thronging to the zoo to catch a glimpse of the endearing pup.

The little, white puma cub with a small pink snout was born atThomas Belt Zoo in Juigalpa, about 140 kilometres (85 miles) from the capital Managua. According tothe zooveterinarian Carlos Molina,the albino cub is only one of the four worldwide.

The images of the cub with its two beige-coloured and spotted siblings, providing a stark contrast have gone viral on social media platforms.

"Thepictures of albino puma cub is just perfection," said one netizen, while another added:"Now, THAT is a face! Gorgeous."

A third said, "Nature is absolutely gorgeous, isn't it? I'd like to squish the little cub."

Molina added that three siblings are being kept in a sealed cageso that the mother does not become stressed or confuse human odours with that of the newborns, which could cause her to attack them. Additionally, the mother's partneris being kept in a separate enclosure, as male pumas have been known to kill their young.

Generally, the fur of pumas at birth is light brown or reddish with black fleck. However, a genetic mutation causes white pigmentation which is extremely rare.

The veterinarians are yet to make contact with the cub and the gender of the little one remains unknown at this stage.

"We are taking all measures to be able to keep him as healthy as possible, together with his mother," said Molina.

(With inputs from agencies)

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