This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Rare White Giraffes Spotted In Kenya

The animals are believed to have leucism, a genetic condition affecting pigment.

Two rare white giraffes -- believed to be mother and child -- have been filmed by rangers in Kenya, East Africa.

Their distinct appearance is caused by leucism, a genetic condition which causes a partial loss of pigmentation resulting in white, pale or patchy colouration in areas such as the skin, hair, feathers or scales but not eyes.

Though uncommon, the pair aren't the only giraffes known to be living with the condition -- in 2016 Omo, a three-year-old white calf, was spotted living in neighbouring Tanzania.

In a blog post, rangers from the Hirola Conservation Program in north eastern Kenya said it had been receiving reports since June from villagers of a white baby giraffe and its mother.

"We hurriedly headed to the scene as soon as we got the news. And Lo! There, right in front of us, was the so hyped 'white giraffe' of Ishaqbini conservancy!" the post read.

"They were so close and extremely calm and seemed not disturbed by our presence. The mother kept pacing back and forth a few yards in front of us while signalling the baby giraffe to hide behind the bushes."

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.