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

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.