Unprecedented Footage Captures Rare White Giraffes in Kenya

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.

Watch the video at the end.

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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.

Rumors had circulated of a white giraffe and her baby in the local area of the Ishaqbini conservation, but it wasn’t until recently that rangers finally got to see them. Source: Hirola Conservation Programme

Earlier this year, the Hirola Conservation Programme (HCP) mentioned in a blog post that the initial sighting was reported by a vigilant local.

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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.

After a tip-off in June, conservationists spotted the rare white giraffes in Garissa County. Source: Hirola Conservation Programme
Conservation rangers were left stunned after the discovery of the extremely rare white giraffe and her matching calf. Source: Hirola Conservation Programme

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.

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The group of giraffes appeared calm as the rangers got closer and seemed undeterred by their presence. Source: Hirola Conservation Programme
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The white giraffe appeared to be unaffected by the tourists nearby. Source: Hirola Conservation Programme
A little wander around the Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy in Kenya. The giraffes suffer from a genetic condition called leucism, which prevents pigmentation in skin cells. Source: Hirola Conservation Programme
Like mother, like a child: The two giraffes carry on as normal. Source: Hirola Conservation Programme
Pose: The rare pair stood out among the green bushes. Source: Hirola Conservation Programme
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White giraffes are spotted here next to ‘normal’ giraffes. Source: Hirola Conservation Programme
Conservationists filmed them after locals tipped them off. Source: Hirola Conservation Programme

Watch the video below:

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