A giraffe with an extremely crooked neck has been found alive and healthy six years after he was last spotted in the wild.
Conservationist and photographer Philip J. Briggs captured the recent images of the animal near the Chyulu Hills in southern Kenya last week.
The giraffe, known among wildlife experts as Wonkiito, was last seen by Briggs in 2019 and was feared dead due to his severely deformed neck, believed to be caused by scoliosis or an old injury.
But despite his wonky upper half, the giraffe has left conservationists stunned, as his deformed neck appears to not have disadvantaged him.
Wonkiito was even seen with a large group of females and calves, suggesting he may be the dominant male in the area.
His continued survival through Kenya’s devastating 2022 drought and in a lion-rich landscape makes his story all the more remarkable.
A giraffe with an extremely crooked neck has been found alive and healthy six years after he was last spotted in the wild
Pictured: Wonkiito in 2019 near the Chyulu Hills in southern Kenya last week
Wonkiito was last seen in 2019 and was feared dead due to his severely deformed neck
The giraffe has become a symbol of resilience and coexistence in Amboseli, where conservation organisations and local Maasai communities work together to protect wildlife across community lands.
Briggs said: ‘It was surreal. I honestly didn’t expect to see him again, let alone looking so strong.
‘His survival is a testament to Amboseli’s conservation success, built on peaceful coexistence between wildlife and the Maasai people.
‘He truly still is the ‘Kink of the Jungle.’
‘Seeing him move comfortably among wildlife and Maasai livestock underscores the powerful coexistence at work here.
Wonkiito was even seen with a large group of females and calves, suggesting he may be the dominant male in the area
The giraffe was spotted by conservationist and photographer Philip J. Briggs (pictured)
‘I came fully prepared to spend a week searchingbut found him on the first day. That was incredibly lucky.
‘People who knew about his unique story from 2019 are just as amazed and inspired as I am.’
Although rare, this is not the first time that a giraffe has been spotted with a wonky neck, which can be caused by fractures or pre-existing conditions.
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