A pair of rare white giraffes, a mother and child, have been spotted in Kenya and captured on video for the first time.

The unique giraffes suffer from a genetic condition called leucism, which prevents pigmentation in skin cells and results in a white, pale colour.

Unlike albinism where there is only an absence of melanin, leucism is a condition that is caused by a reduction in multiple types of pigment.

Rumours had circulated of a white giraffe and her baby in the local area of the Ishaqbini conservation but it wasn't until recently that rangers finally got to see them

After a tip off in June, conservationists spoitted the rare white giraffes in Garissa County

Conservation rangers were left stunned after the discovery of the extremely rare white giraffe and her matching calf

The group of giraffes appeared calm as the rangers got closer and seemed undeterred by their presence

The white giraffe appeared to be unaffected by the tourists nearby

A little wander around the Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy in Kenya. The giraffes suffer from a genetic condition called leucism, which prevents pigmentation in skin cells

Like mother, like child: The two giraffes carry on as normal

Pose: The rare pair stood out among the green bushes

The footage of the distinctive giraffes was filmed in the Ishaqbini Hirola Conservacy in Kenya's Garissa county by conservationists after locals tipped them off.

Earlier this year in June, Hirola Conservation Programme (HCP) said in a blog post that the giraffes were first reported by a local villager.

'They were so close and extremely calm and seemed not disturbed by our presence.'

White giraffes are spotted here next to 'normal' giraffes

They were filmed by conservationists after locals tipped them off

Rare condition often confused for Albinism Leucism is a condition where there is loss of multiple types of pigment and results in a white, pale or patchy colour. Albinism, on the other hand, is caused by a reduction in melanin pigment alone. The main way to differentiate the two types is through the eyes. Sufferers of albinism have a similar colour loss in hair and skin but they also have this in their eyes. Pale eyes or often pink or red eyes are common as the blood vessels show through, whereas in leucism, this is uncommon. Advertisement

'The mother kept pacing back and forth a few yards in front of us while signalling the baby giraffe to hide behind the bushes.'

According to HCP, other than the video, only two known sightings have been made in Kenya and Tanzania. The very first report of a white giraffe in the wild was in January 2016 in Tarangire National park, Tanzania and the second in March 2016 in Ishaqbini conservancy, Garissa county, Kenya.

It is thought that it is the first time anyone has captured video footage of the rare sighting.