Most people celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary might choose a relaxing cruise or a luxurious beach getaway to mark the special occasion. But for South African couple Marius and Michelle Nortje, nothing could compare to a journey deep into the wilds of Kruger National Park, a place they both cherish dearly. Their love story, which has flourished over four decades, was about to take a unique and unforgettable turn during this particular anniversary trip. The couple, both passionate about wildlife and nature, had made numerous visits to Kruger over the years — sometimes once, sometimes as many as four times a year, making the park a second home of sorts.

On this trip in December, what began as a routine safari drive quickly transformed into a moment neither Marius nor Michelle would ever forget — and a moment that would soon captivate people worldwide. While searching for lions along the tar road, they found nothing and decided to turn onto a quieter gravel path. It was there that Marius first spotted two giraffes emerging from the dense bush, followed by a third that immediately caught his attention. This particular giraffe was unlike any he had seen before, covered with unusual growths all over her body.

Marius, an experienced wildlife photographer, instinctively raised his camera and captured several images of the giraffe. Later, he shared the photos on Facebook, where they quickly generated curiosity and concern among viewers. Many people wondered if the giraffe was in pain or suffering because of the strange lumps. Despite the unsettling appearance, Marius noted that the giraffe seemed calm and was grazing peacefully, showing no obvious signs of distress. To raise awareness, he tagged the South African National Parks (SANParks) in his post, though at the time of the interview, he had not yet received any official response.