Meet The White And Black Giraffes, The Worlds Rarest Animals (9 Pics)

Melanin is not the only pigment in the skin. Carotenoid pigment, responsible for colors such as red yellow and orange, can also be present in various levels. Carotenism is not inherited, but rather a result of diet. Except for graffies, The best example are flamingos who owe their stunning pink color to the beta-carotene found in their usual food – shrimp and plancton. A flamingo in captivity who doesn't get its habitual food will turn white! Speaking of flamingos, three years ago a unique black flamingo was photographed in Cyprus. A similar bird had been previously spotted in Israel, but experts think it is the same flamingo seen in Cyprus. This example of melanistic flamingo is considered the only one of its kind in the world.