11/23/2025
On July 20, 2023, Thomas Belt Zoo in Nicaragua welcomed an extraordinary cub: Itzae, a puma with a coat as white as snow and pale moonlit eyes. Its name means “Gift of God” in Mayan, and the title feels well-earned.
Albino pumas are incredibly rare only three others have ever been recorded in history. Albinism gives Itzae its ghostly glow but also brings challenges, including sensitivity to sunlight, weaker vision, and vulnerability in the wild.
For scientists, Itzae offers a glimpse into evolution and genetic diversity. For everyone else, it’s a living reminder that nature still holds miracles, surprises, and stories waiting to be discovered.
BOTTOM FACT: Albino pumas are one of the rarest wild cats in the world, with only four known documented individuals.
Sources: Thomas Belt Zoo, wildlife research publications, zoological reports.
