“But then I spotted what I was seeing was actually part of its body — it looked like the giraffe had a virus that made its skin appear like tree bark.”
Papillomavirus is not existed in giraffes. It appears in many species, including humans, rabbits, and chimpanzees. Each strain is highly species-specific, meaning the version affecting giraffes poses no risk to other animals or people.
Giraffes are the tallest land mammals on Earth, capable of growing nearly 20 feet tall. They roam savannahs and open woodlands across Africa, including in South Africa, where conservationists have worked hard to rebuild their numbers.
Following years of challenges because of poaching, habitat loss, and disease, South Africa’s giraffe population has recovered to over 30,000 — thanks to centered preservation efforts. Still, unusual cases like this serve as a reminder that even iconic wildlife deals with lesser-known risks.
In spite of its strange appearance, this giraffe is predicted to survive, as papillomavirus infections generally don’t reduce lifespan unless difficulties increase.
For now, it maintains one of Kruger National Park’s more mysterious — and remarkable — noticing.
