A Masai giraffe with a severely broken neck has survived in the wild for five years, astonishing wildlife experts. The animal, photographed in Tanzania's Serengeti, has a zigzag-shaped neck after a fight with another giraffe.
Photographer Mark Drysdale captured the remarkable images while on safari. Local guides told him the giraffe broke its neck five to six years ago during a battle for female attention. Despite the horrific injury, the giraffe has adapted by feeding from lower trees.
Male giraffes often fight by pushing each other side by side, and neck breaks are usually fatal. However, this Masai giraffe has thrived without any veterinary care. Drysdale noted that other animals treated it as normal, and the giraffe appeared healthy and content.
The Masai giraffe is the tallest giraffe species, with males reaching up to 19 feet. This individual's survival is a testament to its resilience, as it forages at lower levels where food is plentiful.
