These stunning photos of a WHITE giraffe in the African jungle were taken by professional wildlife photographer John Bowler.
The white giraffe has no markings on its body, making it very difficult to identify if not for its distinctive long neck.
The Rothschild giraffe was discovered in Kenya’s Ishaqbini region and the rest of its group – who were apparently oblivious to her unusual coloration.
Images of the rare creature were captured by Jamie Manuel from the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) in Kenya just last week.
Jamie is the first person to have snapped photos of a white giraffe since news of its existence emerged in February.
“The white giraffe has been little more than a rumor for the NRT crew until recently when it was seen from the NRT plane.”
“A few weeks ago, I decided to see if I could find the giraffe on the ground with the Ishaqbini Community Rangers.
“We were on the track of the white giraffe, and slowly herders provided information regarding its general location.”
On the second day of searching, 20 reticulated giraffes browsed the acacia trees in a clearing in the forest. The white giraffe was among them.
“The rangers were ecstatic to get a closer look at the animal, which appeared in excellent condition and was feeding well.
I was able to capture the giraffe up close for the first time, and I was immediately wondering if it was albino or leucistic.
In January, a leucism-afflicted giraffe was spotted in Tanzania, and it appears to be the condition that we observe in this animal.
Leucism is a condition in which the pigmentation in certain areas of the skin, hair, feathers, cuticles, or scales is reduced and does not affect the eyes.
“Unlike albinism, it is caused by reducing multiple types of pigment, not just melanin.”
