Heartbreaking sight: Shocking images reveal 'bumpy' giraffe in South Africa battling viral infection rare in tall animals

Rare virus suspected as giraffe develops large lumps in Kruger National Park (Image: Marius Nortje)

A giraffe in South Africa's Kruger National Park has sparked concern after photos revealed large, bumpy growths on its body. Wildlife photographer Marius Nortje captured images of the affected giraffe, showing lumps across its face, neck and torso. Experts believe the animal may be suffering from a rare viral infection.

Unusual growths raise health concerns
The giraffe’s unusual lumps suggest an infection by papillomaviruses — a family of viruses affecting both animals and humans. While common in cattle, bovine papillomavirus (BPV) has occasionally been found in giraffes, antelopes and zebras.

Gemma Campling, head veterinarian and CEO of Worldwide Vets, suspects BPV as the cause but warns another virus, Giraffa camelopardalis papillomavirus 1 (GcPV1), could also be responsible. "This is a rare occurrence in giraffes, making it hard to predict the outcome," Campling explained.

Wildlife photographer Marius Nortje captured the giraffe at Kruger National Park. (Image: Marius Nortje)

In 2007, two giraffes in the same park developed similar lesions and were euthanised to prevent further spread. DNA tests later confirmed BPV in those cases.

How the giraffe may have been infected
Experts are unsure how the giraffe caught the virus. Since giraffes rarely have direct contact with each other, the infection likely spread through contaminated objects or parasites, known as fomites.

The giraffe’s unusual lumps suggest an infection by papillomaviruses: (Image: Marius Nortje)

Oxpecker birds and ticks are potential carriers. Oxpeckers, which feed on parasites like ticks, often hop between animals and may transfer infected blood. "Their beaks, contaminated with blood, can spread the virus quickly," Campling noted.

Ticks can also carry the virus, passing it from an infected host to another animal, such as a giraffe.

Unusual disease leaves giraffe with large lumps in Kruger National Park. (Image: Marius Nortje)

No treatment, but hope remains
Papillomavirus infections in giraffes cause thickened plaques that grow into scaly lumps. These can rupture, leaving raw skin, which makes it easier for the virus to spread. While there’s no treatment, lesions sometimes heal on their own.

In this case, the giraffe appears healthy despite the growths. "It’s still able to feed and see clearly, suggesting it can live a normal lifespan," Campling said.

Park rangers and vets are monitoring the giraffe but see no need for euthanasia. "The disease is known and isn’t spreading rapidly," Campling confirmed.

For now, the bumpy giraffe continues its life in the wild, a rare example of how nature sometimes throws unexpected challenges at its tallest creatures.