“A lot of times, he’s been mistaken for an opossum or a mink …”
Mallow, the latest resident at Tennessee’s For Fox Sake wildlife rehabilitation center, has a truly one-of-a-kind appearance that leaves people guessing. His small frame, fluffy white fur, and striking pink eyes have caused quite a few cases of mistaken identity.
“People have thought he was an opossum, a mink, even a ferret,” shared Juniper Russo, For Fox Sake’s executive director. “A few times, people even confused him for a cat or dog.”
But Mallow is none of those—he’s an albino raccoon. Abandoned by his mother when he was just a few weeks old, likely due to his albinism and low muscle tone, he faced a tough start in life. Fortunately, Out of the Woods Wildlife Rescue stepped in and saved him.
Mallow’s unique traits are the result of a rare genetic mutation. Along with his albinism, Mallow is deaf and partially blind. For animals like raccoons, pigmentation plays a crucial role in ear development in the womb, so Mallow’s albinism meant his ears didn’t form properly. Because of his condition, he couldn’t be safely returned to the wild, and For Fox Sake offered him a safe, permanent home.
Since arriving two months ago, Mallow has adapted remarkably well to his new life.
Russo ensures that despite living with human caregivers, Mallow still gets plenty of time outdoors. His unusual looks often draw attention from curious passersby.
“One time, I took him to the park for some outdoor enrichment, and a woman came up and said, ‘I just love your animal,’” Russo recalled. “I could tell she wanted to say possum or dog but couldn’t decide, so she just said animal.”
And Mallow doesn’t seem to mind the attention.
“He loves being the center of it all,” Russo added. “He knows he’s adorable.”
However, Russo is careful to remind people that Mallow’s situation is unique, and raccoons are not meant to be pets. His care requires expertise, and his challenges mean he needs special attention.
Thanks to the dedicated team at For Fox Sake, Mallow now enjoys a happy, comfortable life, captivating everyone he meets with his charming face and curious story.