Giraffe with mysterious lumps stuns photographer—truth behind her condition reveals nature’s hidden struggle
Anniversary safari turns unforgettable after rare sighting raises awareness about animal health in the wild
A South African couple’s anniversary trip turned into a moment of wonder and heartbreak when they spotted a giraffe unlike any they had ever seen—covered in strange lumps and silently telling a deeper story.
For Marius and Michelle Nortje, celebrating 40 years of marriage didn’t mean luxury resorts or spa retreats. Instead, the couple chose to return to where their hearts truly belong: the wild plains of Kruger National Park.
“We go at least once a year, sometimes four times,” Marius, a passionate wildlife photographer, shared in an interview. But this December trip was unlike any before.
While driving through the park, the couple spotted three giraffes. One stood out immediately. “She had strange growths all over her body,” Marius said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Quick to act, Marius photographed the giraffe and shared the images online. His Facebook post went viral, stirring both awe and concern. “People were wondering if she was in pain,” he explained. “She looked peaceful, but the lumps looked painful.”
Though the giraffe seemed calm, her condition raised questions. Marius tagged the South African National Parks authority in hopes of raising awareness, though he hadn’t received a response at the time.
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The truth behind the giraffe’s condition
The mystery was soon addressed by WorldWide Vets, an international animal welfare organization. Dr. Gemna Campling, the group’s founder, identified the condition as caused by the Bovine Papillomavirus (BPV)—a type of virus that can affect giraffes.
According to Dr. Campling, the virus spreads through direct contact, most likely by oxpecker birds that frequently land on giraffes to feed on parasites. These birds may unknowingly transmit the virus from one animal to another.
“While it’s not life-threatening, the advanced lumps can be very uncomfortable,” Dr. Campling noted. “There’s no treatment for this condition in giraffes, but many cases heal on their own.”
Importantly, the virus isn’t dangerous to humans, even though it resembles the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
Despite her illness, the giraffe was calmly grazing, seemingly unaffected in the moment. But her condition touched hearts worldwide, reminding many of the quiet struggles wildlife face.
For Marius and Michelle, it was a bittersweet memory etched into their 40th anniversary—one that reinforced their love for nature and its raw, often untold stories.
“You never know what you’ll see,” Marius said. “That’s why we keep coming back.”
As more people learn about BPV and similar wildlife issues, there’s hope that awareness can lead to more compassion—and protection—for the creatures that silently endure so much.
