Most couples mark their 40th anniversary with a beach trip or cruise — but for South Africans Marius and Michelle Nortje, nothing beats the wild.
Their latest visit to Kruger National Park turned unforgettable when they spotted three giraffes — and one with strange, tumor-like growths covering her body.
Marius, a seasoned wildlife photographer, quickly captured the scene. He shared the photos online, where they stirred both concern and curiosity.
The condition, later identified by WorldWide Vets, was linked to Bovine Papillomavirus, likely spread by oxpecker birds. While not deadly, the disease causes discomfort and has no known treatment.
Despite her condition, the giraffe appeared calm and grazing peacefully — a poignant image that moved thousands online.
For Marius and Michelle, the encounter was a powerful reminder of nature’s raw beauty and resilience — and why they keep returning to the bush. Sometimes, the wild gives you more than you expect.
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