Stunning images of a rare pink dolphin spotted off the coast of North Carolina have captivated social media, prompting both awe and skepticism among viewers worldwide. The pictures, shared on the @1800factsmatter handle, depict the unusual dolphin surfacing and diving in the waters, causing many to question their authenticity, speculating if they were AI-generated.
Rare pink Dolphin spotted off the coast of North Carolina! pic.twitter.com/qTQQCgZvU3
— Facts matter (@1800factsmatter) June 18, 2024
Responding to doubts, @1800factsmatter clarified in the comments that the dolphin sightings are real, asserting that pink dolphins, though rare, do appear periodically. They cited a previous sighting near Louisiana a few years ago, noting that albino dolphins are a natural but infrequent phenomenon.
On the morning of June 19, a beautiful and rare pink dolphin was discovered stranded on the coast of NC Hatteras, after being swept away from its natural habitat. A kind-hearted man saw the stranded dolphins and quickly took action to help him return to the ocean 🙏💖 pic.twitter.com/Uwwx4GvkGE
— Vallegirls (@Vallegirls) June 19, 2024
Another post shared on social media narrated an incident where the dolphin was reportedly stranded on Hatteras Island but rescued by a compassionate individual who facilitated its return to the ocean.
A rare pink Dolphin. 🤗 pic.twitter.com/KTxpezbOqA
— Figen (@TheFigen_) June 19, 2024
However, not everyone on social media was convinced of the authenticity of the images. Users pointed out that while bottlenose dolphins can exhibit pink hues due to albinism, the shade depicted in the photos appeared unrealistic, raising suspicions of photo manipulation or AI alteration.
One commentator cautioned about the potential misinformation spread by such images, emphasizing the need to verify their authenticity to prevent confusion about AI-generated content resembling reality.
This debate echoes past instances of rare dolphin sightings, such as Casper, a white-colored dolphin observed off California’s coast last year. Casper’s unique appearance was attributed to either albino or leucistic conditions, which reduce typical species pigmentation.
As discussions continue online, the mystery surrounding the pink dolphin’s photographs underscores the fascination and scrutiny that accompany extraordinary wildlife sightings in today’s digital age.
Stay tuned for updates as the story unfolds and experts weigh in on the authenticity of these compelling images from the North Carolina coast.