While many people were quick to label these giraffes as suffering from albinism, professionals believe that it's more likely a condition known as leucism, which only prevents the production of pigment in skin cells, allowing all other organs, such as their eyes, to be darker. Albinism, on the other hand, is a congenital condition which inhibits the production of pigment in all body parts, generally resulting in pink or red eyes.
In spite of their pigment-producing inhibition, most animals who suffer from leucism don't really face any genetic setbacks to their survival. However, their unique color can bring with it particularly unwanted attention, since it lessens their ability to hide from predators. This is especially bad news for the little one, since according to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, over 50% of all giraffes are killed by predators, such as hyenas and lions, before they turn 6 months old.
If your love giraffes as much as we do, then don't forget to check out the Giraffe Manor!
