A second, extraordinarily rare white roe deer has been sighted in the Sfikia region of Imathia, marking another stunning encounter with nature just weeks after the first recording went viral.
This latest sighting features a female, captured in breathtaking detail by Thomas Chimonas—the same hunter and nature enthusiast who documented a white male in the same area only two weeks ago. The resulting footage is almost cinematic, showcasing the animal against a serene rural backdrop.
Acting on a tip from a local resident who claimed to have seen a second white deer, Chimonas returned to the site with persistence. His dedication paid off. In the new video, the doe moves with effortless grace through the fields, alternating between a light gallop and quiet grazing. The ambient sounds of the forest and birdsong create an unforgettable atmosphere.
At several points, the animal seems to sense the observer’s presence. She freezes, locking eyes with the camera as if “weighing” her surroundings before continuing her path with a playful, rhythmic gait—appearing almost as if she is dancing through the landscape.
The white roe deer and her fawns
In the recording, distinct vocalizations can be heard. Chimonas suggests these calls may indicate the presence of fawns nearby, implying the doe may be in a protective state or communicating with her young.
The striking white coat creates a surreal contrast against the green fields. Experts suggest this may not be a coincidence; the proximity and timing suggest the two white deer could be a mating pair or members of the same family group. The presence of two such individuals in the same area is a phenomenal rarity, highlighting the unique biodiversity of the Greek wilderness.
Albinism vs. Leucism: The science of the white deer
The striking appearance of these animals is caused by a rare genetic pigment disorder.
Albinism is triggered by mutations in the genes responsible for synthesizing melanin—the pigment that determines the color of skin, fur, and eyes. True albino mammals lack melanin entirely, resulting in white or cream-colored fur, pinkish skin, and eyes that appear red or pale blue.
The reddish tint in the eyes is actually the visibility of retinal blood vessels through the unpigmented iris. This trait is typically inherited through an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning both parents must carry the mutated gene for it to manifest in their offspring.
Leucism, on the other hand, is a different condition. It involves a partial loss of pigmentation caused by a defect in how pigment cells migrate or are deposited during embryonic development. While leucistic animals may be mostly or entirely white, their eyes usually retain their natural, dark coloration.
Related: Rescued One-Week-Old Fawn Finds Deer Friend – Greek Reporter
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