While most couples mark their 40th anniversary with beach vacations or cruises, South African duo Marius and Michelle Nortje chose a different path—one that took them deep into the heart of Kruger National Park. Longtime wildlife lovers, they were celebrating four decades of marriage in their favorite setting: the African bush. What they didn’t expect was to capture a moment that would ripple far beyond their quiet safari.
“We usually go once a year, sometimes up to four times,” said Marius, an avid wildlife photographer. But this trip was anything but typical. Driving down a gravel road after an unsuccessful search for lions, they spotted three giraffes. At first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary—until the third one emerged.
This giraffe looked unlike any Marius had ever seen. Her body was covered in strange, raised growths. Instinctively, he lifted his camera and started shooting. Later, he shared the images on Facebook, not expecting the emotional reaction they would spark online.
“She was calmly grazing,” he recalled. “She didn’t appear to be in distress, but the growths looked painful. People were understandably concerned.”
To raise awareness, Marius tagged South African National Parks (SANParks) in his post. Though he hadn’t received a reply at the time, his photos quickly spread, catching the attention of global animal welfare groups.
One of those organizations, WorldWide Vets, stepped in to explain the mystery. Dr. Gemma Campling, the group’s founder, identified the cause: papillomavirus. Specifically, a bovine variant known to affect wild giraffes.
“There are many types of papillomavirus, each specific to certain species,” Dr. Campling explained. “In giraffes, the disease is believed to be spread through oxpecker birds. As they move between animals, pecking at parasites, they can transmit the virus.”
Fortunately, the condition is not fatal. In many cases, animals recover without medical intervention. “There’s no treatment available for giraffes,” Dr. Campling said. “But most infections are self-limiting. The animal can fully recover. It’s also important to note this virus can’t be passed to humans.”
That said, the severity of the giraffe’s condition can’t be ignored. “It’s not life-threatening,” she added, “but as the growths enlarge, they almost certainly cause discomfort.”
Despite the visible swelling, the giraffe carried on as if nothing was wrong—grazing peacefully in the golden grass. Her quiet resilience struck a chord online, with thousands expressing a mix of sadness, admiration, and concern.
For Marius and Michelle, the encounter was unforgettable—a stark reminder of both the beauty and fragility of wildlife. “You don’t always find what you’re looking for in the wild,” Marius said. “But sometimes, what you do find stays with you forever.”
Through one photograph, they gave the world a glimpse into nature’s quiet struggles, and a reason to care even more deeply for its most vulnerable creatures.