Most couples reaching their 40th wedding anniversary might treat themselves to a luxurious cruise or perhaps a serene beach vacation. But for South African couple Marius and Michelle Nortje, their idea of the perfect celebration wasn’t about luxury or relaxation — it was about returning to the heart of the wild. For them, nothing compares to the raw beauty and unexpected magic of nature. Their deep bond, built over four decades together, was about to take a surprising and unforgettable turn during their anniversary trip to Kruger National Park.
It started out like many of their visits before. A calm drive through the sprawling landscapes of Kruger, where wildlife roams freely and every corner holds the promise of a new discovery. According to Marius, a passionate wildlife photographer, this wasn’t an unusual trip for them. “We go at least once a year, but sometimes as much as four times,” he told The Citizen in an interview. But during this particular journey in December, something extraordinary unfolded—something they had never witnessed in all their years of exploring the park.
While driving along a gravel road, having seen no signs of the lions they were hoping to spot, the couple’s attention was drawn to movement in the nearby bush. First, one giraffe appeared, followed closely by another. As they observed in quiet fascination, a third giraffe stepped out—and it immediately stood out from the others. Unlike the first two, this one was covered in strange, large growths across its body, giving it a shockingly different appearance.
“It was so unusual. We couldn’t believe our eyes,” Marius recalled. Despite his years photographing wildlife, he had never encountered anything like this. Wasting no time, he captured images of the giraffe and later posted them on Facebook. The response was swift and powerful. The photos quickly went viral, sparking concern and questions from people across the world.
“People were worried she might be in pain,” Marius said. “But she was calmly grazing. She didn’t appear distressed, though the lumps looked like they could be painful.” He also tagged SANParks — South African National Parks — in the post, hoping to bring more attention to the giraffe’s condition. At the time of the interview, though, he had not yet received a response from the organization.
The photos eventually caught the attention of WorldWide Vets, an international animal welfare organization. Dr. Gemna Campling, the organization’s founder and director, reviewed the images and provided insight into what might be affecting the giraffe. According to Dr. Campling, the giraffe was likely suffering from a condition caused by a virus known as papillomavirus. While there are many strains of this virus, she believed the type seen in this giraffe resembled bovine papillomavirus (BPV), which typically affects cattle.
The transmission of the virus in this case is suspected to be linked to oxpecker birds — common in the region — which feed on parasites found on large animals like giraffes. “These birds may unintentionally spread the virus from one animal to another while feeding,” Dr. Campling explained. “In this instance, only one giraffe appeared to be affected, which aligns with previous observations where isolated cases have occurred within otherwise healthy herds.”
Though the sight of the growths was jarring, Dr. Campling emphasized that the disease isn’t considered fatal. “Many BPV cases are self-limiting and can eventually heal on their own,” she said. “There’s no established treatment for this disease in giraffes, but wildlife veterinarians keep a close eye on affected animals.” Importantly, the virus isn’t transmissible to humans, although a human-specific version of the papillomavirus — HPV — exists in people.
Even with that reassurance, Dr. Campling acknowledged the discomfort the giraffe may be experiencing. “While it is not life-threatening, it’s reasonable to assume that when the lumps reach such a large size, they can cause significant discomfort.” It’s difficult to know the exact level of pain the giraffe endures, but it’s heartbreaking to imagine her living with this condition in the wild. Still, her behavior gave hope — she continued to graze, calm and seemingly unfazed, showing a remarkable resilience.
Online, the images sparked a flurry of reactions. People expressed sorrow, compassion, curiosity, and awe. Some were disturbed, others inspired. But almost everyone agreed — the giraffe was both beautiful and tragic in her own way, a living testament to nature’s mysteries and the silent suffering that often goes unnoticed in the wild.
For Marius and Michelle, the encounter was deeply emotional. What began as a quiet anniversary trip had turned into something profound. It was a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of the creatures that endure in the harshest of conditions. Their love for wildlife, already strong, deepened further. Experiences like this are what keep them returning to the bush year after year.
Not every anniversary gift comes in a box. Sometimes, the most unforgettable moments happen when you least expect them — down a dusty gravel road, with the sun setting over the savannah, and a creature that tells a silent story of survival. Marius’s photographs did more than document an unusual giraffe; they shared a rare glimpse into the resilience of wildlife, the impact of unseen illnesses, and the beauty of compassionate observation. Through his lens, thousands of people around the world were reminded that even in the wildest corners of the earth, there are stories of hope, strength, and wonder waiting to be discovered.
