Omo the Giraffe
As white as a diamond
Who is Omo?
So, who is Omo the giraffe? Omo is a 15-month old African giraffe, and is a very rare one, too. Heard of albinism? Omo has a thing like that, but it's called leucism. Leucism is a lot like albinism, but it doesn't affect all of the cells. Omo is the second white giraffe in the last 20 years, which makes her rare.
Why Omo isn't always safe
Omo may be in good condition, but she isn't always safe. The color in her fur makes her an easier target to spot for poachers. (People who hunt animals illegally for hides or other parts) She is also easy to spot by the predators of the safari. Luckily, she is in a zoo, where she is away from harm.
More on Omo's disease
Leucism is more common than you think! Leucism is a condition in which there is partial loss of pigmentation in an animal resulting in white, pale, or patchy coloration of the skin, hair, feathers, scales or cuticle, but not the eyes. Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in multiple types of pigment, not just melanin.