logo

Video footage shows two rare white Kenyan giraffes

Ksenia Novikova
May 13, 2018
05:17 A.M.

These two beautiful creatures are completely diffferent to others of their species, and there's a strange reason why.

Advertisement

Two giraffes in Kenya have gone viral since their discovery, because unlike most giraffes their coats are pure white due to a genetic condition called leucism.

As reported by The Epoch Times, the Hirola Conservation Program in Kenya shared video footage of the two giraffes, and it has since gone viral

While most people assume the wonderful animals are albinos, their particular pale color is a result of leucism. While they are similar disorders, leucism affects on the skin cells' ability to produce pigment, not all body cells.

Advertisement

As a result, the giraffes' eyes are able to produce colored pigment. If they were albino, then their eyes would be a pale pink in color.

Although it is a very rare condition, leucism is not unknown in the natural world. Another giraffe calf with the same condition was recently discovered in Tanzania, in the Tarangire National Park.

But leucism doesn't only affect giraffes. National Geographic also shared recent footage of a white moose caught on camera in Sweden that suffers from the same disorder. White lions and white penguins have also been seen.

Advertisement

While there is no genetic disadvantage to the giraffes with leucism, their pale color could offer them a different conundrum: as pale as they are, they could be far more easily seen by natural predators.

Due to their color - or lack thereof - they would be much more conspicuous to both animal and human hunters.

Unfortunately, giraffes already have a difficult start to their lives, with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation estimating that less than 50% of giraffes reach adulthood on the Serengeti.

Advertisement

This is due to their natural enemies, such as crocodiles, lions, hyenas, and leopards.

Giraffes' coloring could help them to hide better behind trees and bushes, but those suffering with leucism would not be able to enjoy that extra level of protection.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Parents Hid Baby's Face to Shield Her from Stares — Now, at 2, She Looks 'Gorgeous' After Surgery

January 31, 2024

Parents Hid Baby's Face to Shield Her from Stares — Now, at 2, She Looks 'Gorgeous' After Surgery

October 25, 2023

8 Best Colors To Wear In Winter To Look Stylish & Cozy

October 26, 2023

7 Best Scarf Colors to Wear with Gray Hair

October 30, 2023

People Tell New Dad To Take DNA Test & Accuse His Wife of Cheating After Seeing Their Baby

December 13, 2023

People Beg Proud Mom to Stop Showing Her Son's Photos

November 03, 2023

Jane Fonda, 86, Sparks Reactions after Wearing Medical Boot & Walking with a Cane

February 09, 2024

Prince William Seen for the 1st Time since Wife Catherine's Hospitalization with 'Sadness in His Eyes'

January 19, 2024

7 Best Colors to Wear If You Have Gray Hair

December 16, 2023

5 Extraordinary Celebrity Houses, Including One Converted from a Fire Station

February 22, 2024

Inside Barbra Streisand's House with Rose Garden Where She Had Her Dream Wedding – Photos

January 15, 2024

Colin Farrell Is the Father of Two Sons, One of Whom Has 'Special Needs' — A Look at Him as a Dad

December 11, 2023

Black Customer is Framed for Theft at Jewelry Store – Story of the Day

February 01, 2024

Why Michael Jackson Wore a White Glove on His Right Hand – Pics Where We Saw His Bare Arm

February 23, 2024