Is Down Syndrome Experienced by Animals? Examining the Truth Behind Internet Claims That Go Viral
You’ve probably seen content with animals who appear to have Down syndrome, such Otto the kitten or Kenny the tiger. However, what is the true nature of their circumstances?
There are several claims on the internet that certain animals, like giraffes, have Down syndrome characteristics. This narrative, which is supported by an abundance of publications, films, and pictures, frequently presents these creatures as “inspiring” or “uniquely adorable,” even if they are purportedly suffering from a hereditary illness that is known to cause a variety of physical and mental challenges.
A notable example is the uncommon white tiger named Kenny. After being rescued from a dubious breeder in 2002 by the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Reserve in Arkansas, Kenny resided there until his death in 2008. much though white tigers are already uncommon, Kenny was much more remarkable due to his unusual facial features, including a wide face and a very short nose.
Because of his unique appearance, social media users and internet journalists assumed Kenny had Down syndrome right away. However, a deeper look at scientific research and Google search results refutes the notion of animals with Down syndrome, emphasizing the need for more critical online information consumption.
Exposing the Truth About “Animals With Down Syndrome
Because of his distinctive looks, many people incorrectly thought that Kenny the tiger had Down syndrome. Kenny’s physical abnormalities were really not caused by a chromosomal abnormality like human Down syndrome, but rather by severe inbreeding across generations. Though exceedingly uncommon in the wild, white tigers like Kenny are highly prized for their unusual coats. To preserve the recessive gene for their white fur, significant inbreeding has resulted from this demand. The American Zoological Association took a firm stand in 2011 against breeding practices focused on perpetuating single rare genetic traits, which have been conclusively linked to a number of severe, debilitating, and frequently fatal conditions. This was in response to the health issues and ethical concerns this practice raises.
Even with well-established theories explaining Kenny’s illness, rumors abound. With over 1.2 million views, an inflammatory web video mocking the idea that Kenny has Down syndrome has been shared. But Kenny’s situation is hardly unique. Other cats, such as Otto, a Turkish kitten, have been mistakenly believed to have Down syndrome. Otto passed away at the age of just over two months, and while many people mistakenly believed that he had Down syndrome, his short existence became a global hit. This illustrates a serious misinterpretation of the nature and causes of the illness.
Otto the kitten encounters a widespread misperception: cats, like almost all animals, cannot get Down syndrome.
Comprehending the Variations in Animal Genes
There are 23 chromosomal pairs in each human cell; Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 that results from a genetic abnormality. It is unreasonable to presume that duplicating the same chromosome will have the same effects in non-human animals as they have different genetic structures from humans. Furthermore, a lot of creatures don’t even have a chromosome 21—cats, for example, have only 19 chromosomal pairs.
The way that “animals with Down syndrome” are portrayed online frequently includes a variety of ailments that on the surface resemble human Down syndrome. For example, inbreeding resulted in Kenny the tiger having wide-set eyes and a small nose. Although the cause of Otto the kitten’s peculiar facial traits is still unknown, potential causes include hormone deficiencies and genetic anomalies.
A lion with facial anomalies that is incorrectly thought to be an example of an animal with Down syndrome may be found on Wimp.com.
A Comparative Examination of Ape Conditions Similar to Down Syndrome
Apes are the only species that appears to occasionally display a genetic abnormality at least similar to Down syndrome, despite the fact that the idea of animals having Down syndrome is untrue. Compared to humans, apes have twenty-four pairs of chromosomes, but humans only have twenty-three. Additionally, some apes have been shown to carry an extra copy of chromosome 22, which is similar to human chromosome 21.
Researchers looked at a chimpanzee whose facial abnormalities were caused by a genetic defect. This particular chimpanzee, carrying an additional chromosome 22, had growth deficits, heart problems, and symptoms often linked with Down syndrome in humans, according to a 2017 scientific report ncbi.nlm.nih.gov The chimpanzee’s illness was “analogous” to human Down syndrome, according to the researchers, not “exactly” like it. Furthermore, there is still much to learn about this condition, as this case marks only the second known instance of such a chromosomal abnormality in a chimpanzee.
It’s crucial to remember that many times, animals listed online as having Down syndrome do not match the diagnostic’s scientific requirements. Instead of spreading truth, such misrepresentations foster misunderstandings.
