DUBAI The animal kingdom is usually a riot of colour, but sometimes mother nature’s paint palette comes in very neutral hues. The result – pure white animals that look as if they have been lifted from the pages of a mythical book.
Albinism - a congenital disorder that robs the skin, hair and eyes of colour - is a liability for animals as it exposes them to predators and leads to a slew of health problems. At Dubai Municipality’s Birds and Pets Market in Al Warsan 3, however, the condition is an attribute that makes these animals insanely expensive.
How else can one explain the Dh30,000 price tag commanded by an albino crow for sale at a pet shop here?
Because of the lack of melanin (pigment which gives colour), even the bird’s beak and feet are pink. But this white crow appears to have partial albinism (leucism) as its feathers are not all-white and have a fair bit of brownish grey around the plumage.
The shop’s caretaker, Sayeed Manzoor, who got the crow from his hometown Bengaluru, India, said albino ravens are among the rarest birds known. “You see such birds only in fairy tales,” he said. “To a naive observer, this crow may look like a whole different species of bird, but it’s not.” According to him, the bird is about three years old and in perfect health.
Other albino animals which have piqued the curiosity of visitors at the pet market is a boa constrictor (Dh10,500) from Brazil, a pair of galah cockatoos (Dh35,000) from Australia and a cute sugar glider which is selling for Dh2,000.
“These animals are so fascinating, people just stop in their tracks and stare at them,” said a pet handler.
Jaber Mohammad Al Saffar, head markets, Dubai Municipality, said thousands of people have visited the pet market since its launch in October 2015. “The response has been quite enthusiastic. This is the only dedicated central market for pets in Dubai. Animals sold here are screened for health and suitability and the market is fully compliant with Cites (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora),” he added.
Here’s a look at some of the exotic birds and animals you can find at the market:
Albino crow
Price: Dh30,000 Age: Three years
Most people think crows are black, and most are. But when certain genetic factors interfere with the proper distribution of pigment, they turn out to be albino or leucistic. Such birds are extremely rare and seldom in the wild, most often due to eyesight problems or harassment by other birds.
Albino Boa Constrictor
Price: Dh10,500
Age: 6 years
Camouflage is surely not an option for this large, heavy-bodied non-venomous albino boa constrictor from Brazil which can go up to 13 feet and weigh over 45 kilograms.
As stealth hunters, albino snakes are at a huge disadvantage in the wild and rarely live for long. They are mostly found in tropical Central and South America.
Harlequin Macaw
Price: Dh15,000
Age: One-and-a-half years
The Harlequin macaws are a cross between a blue and gold macaw. They are very talkative but require good socialisation and consistent training to make good pets.
Albino Galah Cockatoos
Price: Dh35,000
Age: Three and a half months.
Found mostly in Australia, the galah cockatoo, also known as the rose-breasted cockatoo, undergoes various mutations. While some of these cases are caused by skin conditions, many are due to behavioural problems.
Sphynx Cat
Price: Dh6,500
Age: Four months
With their angular faces, big ears and smooth bodies, sphynxes are living (and purring) proof that there’s more to a cat than its fur coat. And while the sphynx may not be the cuddliest cat breed around, it is certainly one of the most sought after.
Pogona
Price: Dh3,000
Age: One year
Pogona is a genus of reptiles containing eight lizard species and is often called ‘bearded dragons’. They are adept climbers, spending time on branches and in bushes close to human habitation. They bask on rocks and exposed branches in the mornings and afternoons.
Chilean Rose Tarantula
Price: Dh1,500
Age: One-and-a-half years
Tarantulas are a group of large and hairy arachnids that feel like needles when you touch them. Most species of tarantulas are not dangerous to humans and some like the Chilean rose are popular in the exotic pet trade.
Albino Sugar Glider
Price: Dh2,000
Age: One year
Sugar gliders are a popular exotic pet due in part to their small size and cute, yet unusual, appearance. Albino gliders are rare and therefore quite pricey too, with a four-digit price tag. Pet owners may want to know that albino gliders cannot be put under direct sunlight as their eyes and skin are extra sensitive.
