Most couples celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary might choose a luxury cruise or a beachside resort. But for South Africans Marius and Michelle Nortje, the only destination that felt right was the untamed beauty of Kruger National Park — a place where their hearts have always found peace and adventure.

Their love story, already spanning four decades, took an unforgettable turn during this special anniversary trip. What started as a routine game drive quickly became a moment that captured the hearts of thousands across the globe.

“We go at least once a year, sometimes up to four,” Marius shared in an interview with The Citizen.

But this December outing brought something extraordinary.

The couple had been on the lookout for lions, but after failing to spot any along the tar road, they turned onto a gravel path — and that’s when they saw them: three giraffes gracefully stepping out of the bush.

But one stood out.

“When the third of the herd became visible, we saw strange growths all over her body,” Marius recalled.

As a seasoned wildlife photographer, Marius instinctively reached for his camera and captured the unusual sight. He later shared the images on Facebook, tagging South African National Parks (SANParks) in hopes of drawing attention to the giraffe’s condition. While no official response had come by press time, the photos quickly went viral, sparking concern and curiosity.

“People wondered if she was in pain,” Marius said. “But she was grazing peacefully. It didn’t seem to bother her, even though it looked painful.”

📸 A Rare Condition Identified

The images soon caught the attention of WorldWide Vets, an international animal welfare organization. According to their director, Dr. Gemma Campling, the giraffe is suffering from a rare case of papillomavirus — more specifically, Bovine Papillomavirus (BPV).

“There are many types of papillomavirus, each specific to different species,” Dr. Campling explained. “In this case, it’s believed the cow variation is affecting the giraffe.”

The virus is most likely spread by oxpecker birds, which feed on ticks and other parasites found on wild animals. While these birds play a role in grooming, they may also inadvertently transmit infections between hosts.

“The rest of the herd appeared healthy — only this one giraffe showed symptoms, which aligns with how the disease has been observed in the wild previously,” she added.

🧬 Not Fatal — But Likely Uncomfortable

Though visually alarming, the virus is not life-threatening, and many cases eventually resolve on their own.

“There is no treatment for this disease in giraffes,” Dr. Campling noted. “Wildlife vets monitor the affected animals, and in many cases, the animal recovers completely.”

Still, she acknowledged that severe cases likely cause discomfort, especially as the growths become more advanced.

Despite the condition, the giraffe was calmly grazing, unbothered in the moment. The image of her serene presence amid such visible affliction deeply moved viewers — a powerful reminder of the resilience of wildlife and the silent battles they often face.

💞 A Moment to Remember

For Marius and Michelle, this chance encounter on their anniversary was more than a surprise — it was a symbol of the unpredictability and wonder of the natural world.

“It’s moments like these that remind us why we keep coming back,” Marius said.

And for those who saw the photos, it became a touching example of how even one photograph — taken with heart and intention — can awaken empathy, spark curiosity, and shed light on the often unseen stories of the animal kingdom.

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Sometimes the most unforgettable moments happen when you're not even looking. And sometimes, it takes the eyes of a dedicated nature lover to help the world see both the beauty — and the vulnerability — of our wildlife.