Named "Iceberg," the first adult albino Orca found in the wild seas of Russia.

'Iceberg' ... The fin of an albino killer whale travelling in a pod of 13 orcas near Bering island in the Commander islands in Russia. Photo: AFP/Far East Russia Orca Project

Ian Sample

April 25, 2012 - 3:57PM

Scientists have glimpsed (click here) a pure white adult orca, or killer whale, while on a research expedition off the far eastern coast of Russia.

The sighting in waters off the Kamchatka peninsula is believed to be the first time such a whale has been seen in the wild.

Researchers said the marine mammal, which they nicknamed Iceberg, was swimming with its mother and siblings and appeared to be fully accepted by its 12-strong family.

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White whales are not unheard of, but only young white orcas are thought to have been recorded by marine conservationists before.

The whale was seen by scientists on a research cruise co-led by Erich Hoyt of the Far East Russia orca project....