A rare albino antelope has been spotted in northern Kenya’s Sibiloi National Park, drawing excitement among conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.
The unusual animal, identified as an albino Tiang, a subspecies of the Northern Topi antelope, was seen by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers during a routine patrol near Alia Bay along the shores of Lake Turkana.
KWS described the sighting as “truly rare” and said the animal was spotted moving among a herd of normally coloured topis across the park’s grasslands.
Photos released by KWS showed the antelope’s striking pale-white coat sharply contrasting with the reddish-brown colouring typical of the species. Wildlife officials said the rare appearance is caused by albinism, a genetic condition resulting from the absence of melanin pigment.
“Moments like these remind us of the beauty and surprises nature continues to reveal, and of the importance of protecting these wild spaces for generations to come,” KWS said in a statement.
Conservation experts note that albino animals often face major survival challenges in the wild because their bright colouring makes them more visible to predators and may also affect eyesight.
According to KWS, The Tiang, also known as the Northern Topi, is among the wildlife species found in the semi-arid ecosystem of Sibiloi National Park, which lies on the northeastern shores of Lake Turkana and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
The sighting adds to a growing list of rare wildlife encounters recorded in Kenya in recent years, including sightings of black panthers in Laikipia and unusually dark-maned lions in the Maasai Mara.
