Kenya’s only female white giraffe and her calf have been killed by armed poachers, conservationists announced this week.
The bodies of the two giraffes were found “in a skeletal state” in Ijara, Garissa County, the Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy said in a Tuesday statement.
It’s believed they died at least four months ago, the Independent reported.
The slaughter of the mom and her calf, who was born last August, leaves just one white giraffe left in Kenya — a bull, the conservancy said.
“This is a very sad day for the community of Ijara and Kenya as a whole,” conservancy manager Mohammed Ahmednoor said in a statement.
“We are the only community in the world who are custodians of the white giraffe. Its killing is a blow to tremendous steps taken by the community to conserve rare and unique species, and a wake-up call for continued support to conservation efforts.”
The loss also deals a heavy blow to long-term genetic studies and research on the animals’ conditions, Ahmednoor said.
The family of white giraffes made headlines in 2017 after photos circulated of their unique hide.
The giraffes developed their bright white coat because of a condition called leucism that prevents skin cells from producing pigment — but still allows other organs, including eyes, to be dark-colored, according to National Geographic.
The condition differs from albinism, which completely prevents any melanin from being produced in cells.
The rare animals also provided “a big boost to tourism in the area,” Ahmednoor said.
