23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
A GIRAFFE BED AND BREAKFAST

A trio of Maasai Giraffes serve as mammalian hosts to the Oxpeckers that are removing parasites from their skin. Both species benefit in this symbiotic relationship as the Oxpeckers get a free meal while they liberate their hosts from annoying pests.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: NDUTU, Tanzania
Camera: ILCE-1
Copyright: © Melissa Rowell