Some animals capture people’s imaginations more than others and old favourites return to familiar spots time and time again. Whether it’s the world’s oldest wild bird or a tortoise birthday party, we love to celebrate animals we recognize. Good news from California: Frosty the orca is back.

Frosty was spotted on November 24 by whale watchers in Monterey Bay. He is easily seen due to his distinctive coloration. Frosty is thought to possibly be leucistic – where the pigment melanin is partially lost from cells. This is similar to conditions like albinism and melanism, which all revolve around genetic differences related to melanin production.

The other theory is that Frosty has Chediak-Higashi syndrome, a rare, inherited immune condition that is characterized by pale-colored skin. 

“The other previous two whales that have been confirmed to have this Chediak-Higashi syndrome didn’t survive past the age of five,” Evan Brodsky from Monterey Bay Whale Watch, who filmed the video, wrote on social media. “So it’s always a true gift and celebration anytime anyone on the west coast sees Frosty.”

Frosty was spotted traveling with his mother and other members of the pod and is a Bigg’s killer whale (Orcinus rectipinnus), which are known for their huge ranges along the east coast of North America. 

“To add to the mystery this wonderful white whale, Frosty and his Mother (CA216C) have been documented as far south as just below the Mexican Border and as far north as Alert Bay British Columbia!” wrote Brodsky.

While his unusual coloring could make Frosty more vulnerable, orcas have no natural predators. In fact, there have been reports of orcas feeding on the largest fish in the world as well as reviving a fashion trend from the 1980s.