Most couples celebrating forty years of marriage might book a cruise or relax on a tropical beach. For Marius and Michelle Nortje, the answer has always been the same: return to the bush. The South African couple, longtime visitors to Kruger National Park, marked their anniversary last December with another trip into the wild. What began as a routine drive soon turned into an extraordinary encounter that would ripple far beyond the park gates.

A Shocking Discovery in Kruger

Marius, an experienced wildlife photographer, was scanning for lions when three giraffes appeared from the scrub. At first glance, the scene looked ordinary, but as the third animal stepped into view, Marius froze. This female giraffe was covered with strange, bulbous growths that distorted her once smooth coat. The sight was so unusual that he immediately raised his camera, capturing the moment before the animals drifted back into the bush.

Later, he shared the images on social media, tagging South African National Parks to raise awareness. Almost instantly, the photos spread online, drawing questions, concern, and speculation. Was the animal suffering? Was the condition contagious? Why wasn’t anyone stepping in to help?

The Veterinary Explanation

The photos soon reached WorldWide Vets, an international animal welfare organization. Dr. Gemma Campling, the group’s founder and director, identified the culprit as a form of papillomavirus. In this case, the bovine papillomavirus (BPV), normally seen in cattle, appears to have affected the giraffe.

Papillomaviruses are species-specific viruses that can cause wart-like growths. They are not unusual in wildlife, though seeing such advanced lesions on a giraffe is rare. According to Dr. Campling, the disease is believed to spread through direct contact, often facilitated by oxpecker birds. These birds feed on ticks and parasites but can inadvertently transfer viral particles from one host to another.

Interestingly, only one animal in the herd was affected. This aligns with previous sightings, where a single giraffe carried severe growths while its companions remained healthy.

Not Fatal, but Likely Uncomfortable

Despite the shocking appearance, veterinarians stress that this condition is not typically life-threatening. Many papillomavirus infections are self-limiting, meaning the immune system can suppress or even clear them over time. Wildlife veterinarians monitor such cases closely but rarely intervene. Treating a free-ranging giraffe would be invasive, stressful, and potentially more harmful than the disease itself.

Still, this does not mean the animal is free from suffering. When the growths become advanced, they can cause irritation, attract flies, or interfere with movement. While the photographed giraffe appeared calm and was seen grazing normally, the lumps likely caused discomfort.

Importantly, the condition poses no risk to humans. BPV cannot be transmitted to people, even though humans have their own versions of papillomavirus.

A Teachable Moment for Conservation

The Nortjes did not set out to spark a viral moment; they simply wanted to celebrate their anniversary in the place they loved most. Yet their photographs became a valuable teaching tool. Instead of fueling panic, they opened the door for experts to explain how disease functions in the wild.

Wildlife populations are constantly exposed to viruses, parasites, and other stressors. These challenges are part of natural ecosystems, shaping resilience and adaptation over generations. While the instinct to “do something” is natural, experts emphasize that restraint can be the most responsible response. In many cases, stepping in disrupts natural processes without improving the animal’s welfare.

A Reminder of Nature’s Duality

For Marius and Michelle, the encounter underscored why they keep returning to Kruger. In the bush, no two days are alike. One trip might deliver golden-lit lions on the horizon; another, a sobering reminder of nature’s imperfections. Both are equally powerful.

The giraffe’s condition revealed the raw, unscripted side of wildlife—resilient yet vulnerable, beautiful yet harsh. It challenged viewers to see beyond postcard-perfect safaris and confront the realities of survival.

As Dr. Campling noted, the giraffe may well recover naturally. But even if she does not, her story has already served a greater purpose: reminding us that wild animals live in a balance of strength and fragility. Sometimes the best way to honor that reality is simply to witness it, learn from it, and let the wild remain wild.