Young giraffe with a severely twisted neck was recently photographed in Kruger National Park, South Africa. The cause of its injury remains unknown, raising questions about its survival.
A young giraffe with a severely deformed, zigzagging neck has recently been observed in Kruger National Park, South Africa. The animal’s neck appears dramatically twisted, but the exact cause of this deformity remains unknown. The discovery raises concerns about the giraffe’s health and survival prospects.
The Discovery of the Deformed Giraffe
Travel blogger Lynn Scott captured photos of this unusual giraffe during a wildlife tour in an undisclosed private game reserve within Kruger National Park. Scott, who shared the images on Facebook on July 5, noted that the giraffe was standing still and displayed minimal movement. Despite the giraffe’s condition, the tour guide was not overly concerned about its lack of mobility.
A Possible Diagnosis: Torticollis
Social media reactions suggested that the giraffe might have suffered a broken neck. However, experts like Sara Ferguson, a veterinarian and conservation health coordinator at the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, caution against jumping to conclusions. “Without radiographs to confirm a bone fracture, we would describe the giraffe’s condition as severe torticollis,” Ferguson explained.
Torticollis, commonly known as wryneck, is a condition that causes the neck to tilt and twist at an unusual angle. In humans, this can be caused by factors like muscle shrinkage, spinal cord infections, or even sleeping in an awkward position. In giraffes, the condition is particularly noticeable due to their long necks and could result from various issues, including spinal cord infections or bone fractures.
Previous Cases of Giraffes with Deformed Necks
While torticollis in giraffes is not unheard of, Ferguson noted that this particular case is one of the most severe she has encountered. She has observed similar cases in giraffes in Zambia, Kenya, and Uganda, but none as extreme as this one.
Interestingly, wild giraffes have been known to survive with broken necks. In 2015, an adult male giraffe with a similar zigzag neck was photographed in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. This giraffe had broken its neck during a fight with a rival male five years earlier, yet it continued to live in the wild.
Theories on How the Injury Occurred
Some Facebook users speculated that the giraffe in Kruger National Park might have sustained its injury during a fight, a behavior known as “necking,” where male giraffes whip and slam their necks together to establish dominance. However, Ferguson pointed out that this giraffe is likely a sub-adult, possibly too young to engage in such aggressive behavior. Additionally, determining the giraffe’s gender at this age is challenging, further complicating the necking theory.
Uncertain Future for the Injured Giraffe
The timeline of the giraffe’s injury remains unclear, as does the impact on its longevity. “We do not know the survival rate of such individuals,” Ferguson admitted, noting that these animals are usually only photographed once, leaving researchers without follow-up data.
As this giraffe continues to navigate life with its twisted neck, its fate remains uncertain, sparking both concern and curiosity among those who follow its story.
