For the first time, captivating footage of an uncommon pair of white giraffes, a mother, and her calf, has been documented in Kenya.
These extraordinary creatures owe their pale complexion to a genetic condition known as leucism, which inhibits pigmentation in skin cells.
Distinct from albinism, which involves a lack of melanin alone, leucism results from a decreased presence of various pigments. This mother-child duo stands out from the rest due to their remarkable lack of color.
The video, a result of residents’ keen observations, was shot in the Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy in Garissa County, Kenya.
Earlier this year, the Hirola Conservation Programme (HCP) mentioned in a blog post that the initial sighting was reported by a vigilant local.
During the filming, the giraffes seemed remarkably unperturbed by human presence. The mother giraffe was pacing a few yards before the camera, coaxing her young one to stay concealed behind the bushes.
As per the HCP, only two previous sightings of white giraffes have been recorded, one in Kenya and another in Tanzania.
The first white giraffe was reportedly seen in the wild in January 2016 at Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park, followed by another sighting in March 2016 at Ishaqbini Conservancy, Kenya. This recent documentation marks the first-ever video footage of these ethereal creatures.
