Most people celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary might opt for a luxurious cruise, a beach resort, or a quiet retreat in the mountains.
But for South African couple Marius and Michelle Nortje, nothing compares to the thrill of encountering wildlife in its natural habitat.
For them, the wild has always been a place of adventure, discovery, and personal reflection—a world apart from the ordinary rhythm of everyday life. Their love story, already spanning four decades, took an unforgettable turn during a visit to Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest and most renowned game reserves, situated in the northeast of South Africa.
Known for its extensive biodiversity, Kruger spans nearly 19,500 square kilometers, home to iconic African species including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and giraffes.
A Routine Visit Turns Extraordinary
The couple, who are seasoned visitors to the park, were enjoying what they considered a standard safari drive during their December 2025 anniversary trip.
“We go at least once a year, but sometimes as much as four times,” Marius said in an interview with The Citizen.
What began as a routine drive quickly evolved into a moment neither would forget. While initially searching for lions along the tar roads, the couple veered off onto a gravel path—a decision that would lead them to a remarkable wildlife encounter.
“We couldn’t find [the lions] on the tar road and turned off on a gravel road,” Marius recalled. “Then we first saw one giraffe, followed by another, emerging from the bush. But when the third of the herd became visible, we noticed strange growths all over her body.”
The giraffe, a female, exhibited a series of unusual lumps and protrusions across her skin. Marius, a professional wildlife photographer, quickly raised his camera to document the sight, capturing images that would later go viral online.
“People wondered if she was in pain,” he said. “However, she was grazing peacefully, and it didn’t seem to bother her, although it appeared painful.”
The images were initially shared on Facebook, where Marius tagged South African National Parks (SANParks) to raise awareness about the giraffe’s unusual condition. While SANParks had not responded at the time of the interview, the images soon captured the attention of a wider audience.
Viral Attention and Expert Analysis
The giraffe’s photographs caught the attention of WorldWide Vets, an international animal welfare organization that provides veterinary support for wildlife around the globe.
The organization’s founder and director, Dr. Gemma Campling, provided an expert explanation for the giraffe’s condition.
According to Dr. Campling, the giraffe was suffering from a viral disease caused by papillomavirus, a family of viruses that affect various animal species, causing growths or warts on the skin. In this case, the giraffe was likely affected by Bovine Papillomavirus (BPV), a variant that can impact giraffes.
“There are many types of papillomavirus, each affecting a specific species. However, the cow variation (Bovine Papillomavirus or BPV) is believed to affect this giraffe,” Dr. Campling explained.
The virus is spread through direct contact, and in this instance, the transmission vector was likely oxpecker birds, small birds commonly seen perched on large mammals.
Oxpeckers feed on parasites such as ticks and lice, and during this natural cleaning process, the virus can pass from one animal to another. Dr. Campling emphasized that the rest of the giraffe herd appeared unaffected, highlighting the rarity of this case.
Understanding Bovine Papillomavirus in Wildlife
While the growths may appear alarming to the casual observer, Dr. Campling reassured the public that the disease is generally non-lethal.
“Many cases of BPV are self-limiting and can heal with the animal recovering completely,” she said. “There is no treatment for this disease in giraffes, and wildlife vets closely monitor the situation.
Thankfully, this version cannot be passed on to people, although the Human Papillomavirus occurs in humans.”
Despite being non-fatal, the papillomas can cause discomfort, particularly as they become more pronounced.
“Whilst it is not a life-threatening disease, it no doubt causes discomfort when the lumps become as advanced as this,” Dr. Campling added.
It remains impossible to quantify exactly how much pain the giraffe was experiencing. Nevertheless, the images of her calmly grazing in the bush suggested remarkable resilience, a quiet endurance in the face of physical adversity.
Public Reaction and Social Media Attention
Once shared online, the photographs quickly went viral, capturing the hearts and imaginations of thousands of people worldwide.
Social media users expressed a mixture of concern, curiosity, and admiration, with many praising Marius for documenting the giraffe’s condition and raising awareness of wildlife health issues.
“It’s amazing how she can continue grazing and behaving naturally despite her condition,” commented one Facebook user. “Nature is truly resilient.”
The viral attention also shone a spotlight on Kruger National Park’s conservation and veterinary efforts, emphasizing the role of monitoring programs and veterinary interventions in preserving wildlife health.
The Importance of Wildlife Monitoring
Experts note that conditions such as BPV, while rare, highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring within protected areas. Routine observation of wildlife allows researchers to document unusual behaviors or physical anomalies, offering insights into both individual and herd-level health.
“Wildlife monitoring is essential, not just for disease control but also for understanding ecological dynamics,” said Dr. Campling. “Cases like this giraffe provide important data on the interaction between species, disease transmission, and environmental stressors.”
In this case, the interaction between oxpecker birds and giraffes demonstrates a natural, if unexpected, mechanism for viral transmission in the wild.
While the disease may seem unusual to casual observers, it reflects the complexity of ecosystems in which animals, birds, and pathogens coexist.
Marius and Michelle’s Perspective
For the Nortjes, the encounter reinforced the allure of returning to Kruger National Park year after year. Marius, who has photographed wildlife extensively, described the moment as both humbling and inspiring.
“Sometimes, the most unforgettable moments come when you’re not looking for them,” he reflected.
Michelle, equally passionate about wildlife, emphasized the significance of observing animals in their natural habitat, noting that moments like this remind visitors of both the resilience and vulnerability of wild creatures.
“It’s one thing to see wildlife on a routine safari,” she said. “It’s another to witness something so rare, so raw, and so real. It makes you appreciate how much care and attention conservationists put into protecting these animals.”
The couple described the experience as an emotional and educational moment, deepening their respect for Kruger’s ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Conservation and Veterinary Oversight
While the giraffe’s condition may initially alarm viewers, wildlife experts emphasize that close monitoring is often sufficient.
In national parks like Kruger, SANParks veterinarians conduct regular assessments of the health and welfare of iconic species, particularly those known to be susceptible to viral infections or injuries.
In cases like this, intervention may not be necessary unless the animal shows signs of severe distress or compromised mobility. Conservationists argue that minimizing human interference allows animals to cope naturally with their conditions while still ensuring their overall safety.
“Nature has its own way of dealing with disease,” Dr. Campling said. “The goal is not always to cure but to monitor, ensure that the animal is thriving despite challenges, and gather data to improve understanding of wildlife health.”
Broader Implications for Wildlife Photography
This incident also highlights the critical role wildlife photographers play in documenting rare phenomena. By capturing images of unusual or abnormal conditions, photographers like Marius Nortje contribute to scientific knowledge and public awareness.
“Photography allows us to document the extraordinary in the ordinary,” Marius explained. “Without these images, this giraffe’s condition might have gone unnoticed by the public and researchers alike.”
In addition, sharing such images on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and conservation forums can mobilize resources, connect experts, and inspire global dialogue about wildlife health and protection.
Lessons from the Wild
The story of the giraffe with papillomavirus serves as a reminder of the fragility and resilience of life. Despite her visible condition, the animal continued to graze peacefully, unaffected in her behavior—a testament to nature’s adaptability.
For Marius and Michelle, the experience reinforced the value of mindful observation, patience, and attentiveness in the wild.
It underscored how wildlife encounters can transcend mere sightseeing, offering lessons about endurance, vulnerability, and the intricate connections between species in an ecosystem.
“It’s moments like this that remind you why you keep coming back to the wild,” Michelle said.
Conclusion: A 40-Year Love and a Rare Encounter
Celebrating 40 years together, Marius and Michelle Nortje found a story that goes beyond their own love—it is a story about wildlife, conservation, and the beauty of witnessing the extraordinary in its natural setting.
Their encounter with the giraffe not only highlighted a rare medical condition but also emphasized the broader themes of resilience, empathy, and respect for nature.
The images they captured and shared offer a glimpse into the complex world of African wildlife, reminding viewers that while animals may face challenges, their strength and adaptability are remarkable.
Sometimes, the most profound lessons and most unforgettable moments are found not on a luxury cruise or a beachside resort, but in the untamed heart of the wild, through the lens of someone who truly cares to see.
For the Nortjes, this giraffe—and the story of her condition—has become a lasting memory of both their marriage and the enduring wonder of the natural world.
“It’s a privilege to witness such rare moments,” Marius said. “And it’s a reminder that wildlife, like life, is full of surprises, challenges, and beauty.”
