A routine safari through Kruger National Park turned into an unforgettable encounter for South African couple Marius and Michelle Nortje. Celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, they expected breathtaking sunsets and majestic wildlife—but nothing prepared them for the heartbreaking sight of a giraffe unlike any other.
While driving through the park, the couple spotted three giraffes grazing peacefully. Two appeared normal, but the third was covered in strange, wart-like growths. Marius, an experienced wildlife photographer, quickly captured the haunting image. “We didn’t know what we were looking at,” he later recalled. “It was shocking, yet she continued eating as if nothing was wrong.”
When Marius shared the photo online, reactions poured in from around the world. Some were fascinated, others deeply concerned. Experts from WorldWide Vets soon identified the condition as a rare case of bovine papillomavirus, likely transmitted by oxpecker birds that interact with both giraffes and cattle.
Dr. Gemma Campling explained that while the virus isn’t typically fatal, the giraffe’s extensive growths likely caused discomfort. “Wild animals often heal on their own,” she said, “but in cases like this, nature must take its course.”
For Marius and Michelle, the encounter was a poignant reminder of the wild’s raw beauty—and its harsh realities. “The bush isn’t always perfect,” Marius reflected. “But that’s what makes it unforgettable.”
