By Tim Binnall
Heartless poachers in Kenya have killed a pair of incredibly rare white giraffes that had been living on a conservation area in the country. The breathtaking creatures, which had no skin pigmentation due to a condition known as leucism, made headlines back in 2017 when they were discovered and subsequently filmed at the Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy. The find was specifically celebrated as it marked the first time that white giraffes had ever been filmed (seen above) in the wild.
Alas, the amazing tale of the unique animals took a tragic turn when it was reportedly learned that poachers had entered the unfenced conservancy and killed a female white giraffe as well as her calf. The reason for the senseless act is uncertain although it stands to reason that the creatures were targeted due to their precious nature. To that end, there is still one white giraffe still residing at the conservancy and the animal is believed to be the only known creature of its kind remaining in the world.
The white giraffes had last been seen three months ago and their skeletal remains were found on the grounds of the conservancy this week following an extended search for the creatures. Reflecting on the tragic event, the head of the site lamented that "This is a very sad day for the community of Ijara and Kenya as a whole. We are the only community in the world who are custodians of the white giraffe." He went on to declare that the incident should serve as "a wake-up call for continued support to conservation efforts."