A giraffe in South Africa’s Kruger National Park has drawn attention due to an unusual condition that makes its neck appear to be transforming into tree bark. The remarkable sighting originally made news in January 2019.

Photographs show the animal’s neck covered in rough, bark-like growths. While initially resembling camouflage or a rare mutation, the cause is actually a viral infection known as papillomavirus.

This virus affects various animals, including cattle, producing thick, crusty skin lesions. Though alarming in appearance, experts confirm the condition is not deadly. However, the growths can become irritating, particularly if scratched repeatedly, potentially leading to open wounds or secondary infections.

Among giraffes, papillomavirus spreads primarily through oxpeckers. These small birds feed on ticks living on large mammals, helping control parasites. Unfortunately, their pecking at irritated skin can inadvertently transmit viruses between animals.

Wildlife photographer Helen Olive captured the images during her visit to the park. The Oxfordshire resident, who has spent over 15 years photographing wildlife, initially mistook the giraffe’s lesions for background bushes before recognizing the extraordinary sight before her.

Papillomavirus appears across numerous species, including humans, rabbits, and chimpanzees. Each strain remains highly species-specific, meaning the version affecting giraffes poses no risk to other animals or people.

South Africa’s giraffe population has rebounded to over 30,000 through conservation efforts, despite challenges from poaching, habitat loss, and disease. This particular giraffe is expected to survive normally, as papillomavirus infections generally don’t shorten lifespan unless complications develop.