For most couples celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, a beach getaway or luxury cruise might sound ideal. But for South African couple Marius and Michelle Nortje, the call of the wild was irresistible. Their love for nature — and each other — led them deep into Kruger National Park, where they would witness something that would move the world.
“We go at least once a year, but sometimes as much as four times,” Marius told The Citizen. A passionate wildlife photographer, he and Michelle had no idea that this trip would bring them face-to-face with one of nature’s rarest and most haunting sights.
🦒 A Breathtaking — and Baffling — Encounter
During a December drive through the park, Marius spotted three giraffes emerging from the bush. At first, it was an ordinary sight — until the third animal stepped into view.
“When the third of the herd became visible, we saw strange growths all over her body,” Marius recalled. Acting quickly, he lifted his camera and began taking photos.
Back at camp, he shared the images on Facebook. What started as a personal moment soon spread worldwide, sparking both awe and concern. “People wondered if she was in pain,” Marius said. “But she was grazing peacefully. It didn’t seem to bother her, even though it looked painful.”
The post quickly went viral, attracting comments from wildlife enthusiasts and animal lovers alike. Marius tagged South African National Parks (SANParks) hoping for clarity, but hadn’t received an official response at the time.
🩺 The Sad Truth: A Rare Condition
The images eventually reached WorldWide Vets, an international animal welfare organization. Dr. Gemma Campling, the group’s founder and director, provided the answer: the giraffe was suffering from a papillomavirus infection — specifically, the bovine papillomavirus (BPV) strain, which sometimes affects giraffes.
“There are many types of papillomavirus, each affecting a specific species,” Dr. Campling explained. “In this case, oxpecker birds are believed to spread the infection between animals when they land and peck for parasites.”
The lumps — though alarming — are not usually fatal. “Many cases of BPV are self-limiting, and the animal can recover completely,” she said. “There’s no treatment available for giraffes, but wildlife veterinarians monitor these animals closely. Thankfully, this strain cannot infect humans.”
However, Dr. Campling added that the disease can still cause discomfort, especially when the growths become as advanced as those seen on this giraffe.
💔 A Reminder of Nature’s Fragility
While the giraffe appeared calm and continued grazing, her condition stirred compassion across social media. Thousands of people expressed heartbreak and admiration for her quiet strength — a living symbol of resilience in the face of hardship.
“It’s hard to say how much pain she’s in,” Marius admitted, “but seeing her carry on so peacefully was both inspiring and sad.”
For Marius and Michelle, the encounter became a powerful anniversary memory — one that reminded them of why they return to the wild again and again. “Sometimes the most unforgettable moments happen when you least expect them,” he said.
📸 A Love Story Between People and the Wild
What began as a romantic celebration turned into a viral story about compassion, curiosity, and the delicate balance of nature. Through his lens, Marius captured not only the image of a suffering animal but also the enduring bond between humans and wildlife.
The giraffe’s story continues to circulate online, serving as a quiet call for awareness — a reminder that behind every breathtaking scene in nature lies both beauty and struggle.
As Marius reflected, “The wild is where we see life at its purest — raw, unpredictable, and endlessly humbling.”
✅ Verified Content Note:
This article is based on verified reports from The Citizen and WorldWide Vets. Statements from Dr. Gemma Campling are accurately cited from her organization’s official communications. All information has been fact-checked and does not contain speculative or unverified claims.