First flawless giraffe seen in the wild: Calf without distinctive markings is seen with its mother in Africa

The first flawless giraffe has been spotted on the plains of Africa, just weeks after a Tennessee zoo announced the birth of a giraffe that also lacked markings.

A photographer has captured images of the young calf walking alongside its mother in a private game reserve in Namibia.

The last time a flawless giraffe was in the spotlight was in Tokyo in 1972.

Although it can be exciting to see a solid-colored giraffe, experts warn that the animal’s lack of patterns puts it at risk from predators.

The spots are unique to each animal, making it confusing for predators to focus on a single prey.

The first flawless giraffe was spotted on the plains of Africa

Spots and patterns on a giraffe’s fur help camouflage them in the wild, but the markings are also usually on a concentrated area of ​​blood vessels that allow the animal to release heat and control body temperature.

While color variations or changes in dot or stripe patterns often occur in different species, the cause is often unknown.

The lack of spots is due to a genetic condition called leucism, which prevents skin cells from producing pigment.

Dr. Julian Fennessy, co-founder and conservation director of the Giraffe Conversation Foundation (GCF), said: “The absence of spots could be caused by genetic mutations or a recessive genotype in one or more genes associated with the pattern, but without detailed genetic analysis.” these are mere speculations.’

The Spotless Giraffe is one of only around 117,000 left in Africa, as the animal is now extinct in at least seven countries – there are only four different species left.

A photographer has captured images of the young calf walking alongside its mother in a private game reserve in Namibia

The spots are unique to each animal, making it confusing for predators to focus on a single prey

Stephanie Fennessy, chief executive and co-founder of GCF, said: “Giraffes are in trouble and if we don’t act now, our grandchildren may not be able to see giraffes in the wild when they grow up.”

“That’s what really worries me!” But the good news is that it’s not too late! If we act now, we can all stand up for giraffes and ensure a future for these gentle giants in the wild.”

The flawless giraffe in the wild follows news that a giraffe previously believed to be the only one of its kind has been born in the US.

The public was asked to name the calf and landed on Kipekee, the Swahili word for “unique,” for the new star at Brights Zoo in Limestone, Tennessee.

Zookeepers were amazed when the baby reticulated giraffe was born on July 31 and showed none of its species’ distinctive spots or spots.

The immaculate giraffe in the wild follows news that a giraffe previously believed to be the only one of its kind has been born in the US. The public was asked to name the calf and landed on Kipekee , the Swahili word for “unique,” ​​for the new star at Brights Zoo in Limestone, Tennessee

The zoo said their now 6-foot-tall baby is “thriving” and has begun showing off to visitors while it remains in its mother’s care.

The global population of reticulated giraffes has fallen to just 38,000 and the zoo hopes Kipekee’s arrival will help draw attention to the species’ plight.

“Wild populations are silently slipping into extinction, with 40 percent of the wild giraffe population lost in the last three decades alone,” Bright said.

“The international coverage of our patternless baby giraffe has brought much-needed focus to giraffe conservation.”