On social media, many viewers were touched by the heartwarming moment showing the tale of care and gratitude between a giraffe and a chiropractor.
On TikTok, a viral video featuring the heartwarming story of a chiropractor and his giraffe patient gained widespread attention.
Giraffes, the tallest land animals on Earth, are known for their impressive stature and long necks, which can reach up to 6 feet—taller than the average human.
These majestic creatures require specialized care, and that’s where a giraffe chiropractor comes in.
It may sound unusual, but as viral videos have shown, this unique profession is both real and heartwarming.
Dr. Joren Whitley took on the mission of adjusting the neck of an adult giraffe named Gerry
Dr. Joren Whitley, a board-certified chiropractor from Edmond, Oklahoma, has made a name for himself by treating both humans and animals.
“It’s not very common, but I had this desire to help both,” Dr. Whitley shared in an interview with the Washington Post. Unlike humans, who can articulate their pain, animals rely on experts like Dr. Whitley to identify and address their discomfort.
Last month, Dr. Whitley was called upon for an extraordinary task: adjusting the neck of an adult giraffe named Gerry.
Gerry, who was experiencing mobility issues, particularly in his jaw and upper neck, needed specialized care.
“His jaw was not moving to the left,” Dr. Whitley explained in a TikTok video. “His upper neck on the right-hand side was irritated.” With his expertise, Dr. Whitley successfully adjusted Gerry’s neck, providing much-needed relief.
The viral video: A Giraffe’s gratitude
On TikTok, a user who goes by @DrJorenWhitley shared a video showing him adjusting the neck of an adult giraffe named Gerry
The video has the caption: “My patients are just as thankful to be working with me as I am with working with them.”
The heartwarming video of Dr. Whitley adjusting Gerry’s neck quickly went viral, amassing over 20 million views on TikTok.
In the footage, viewers were captivated by the sight of such a large animal receiving chiropractic care and by the obvious bond between Gerry and Dr. Whitley.
But it wasn’t just the adjustment that touched people’s hearts. In a follow-up video, Gerry’s gratitude was on full display as he rested his head on Dr. Whitley’s shoulder, nuzzling him affectionately.
“When I made the adjustments, he rubbed his head all over me like, ‘You’re my best friend,’” Dr. Whitley recalled.
Social media reaction
In the comments, many viewers expressed their astonishment after watching the video. Meanwhile, others expressed envy over Dr. Whitley’s unique job.
One person said: They way even large animals like Giraffes just want to he hugged
A second wrote: “Aw yeah man that did it… oh yeah bro bring it in “
While a third commented: l would pay a million dollars to be able to hug a giraffe.
Someone else said: Aww that ‘Thank You’ Giraffe Hug!!
The bond between Gerry and Dr. Whitley
Gerry’s owner, Missy Nowell, a longhorn cattle rancher, described her giraffe as a ‘2,500-pound dog.’ She emphasized his affectionate nature
“Gerry loves everybody — he’s a dog in a very large body,” she told the Washington Post.
The special bond between Gerry and Dr. Whitley highlights the deep connection that can form between animals and their caregivers, even when those animals are as large and unusual as a giraffe.
Dr. Whitley’s work extends beyond giraffes; he offers his chiropractic services to a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and even humans.
However, giraffes hold a special place in his heart.
“Working on a giraffe’s neck is a chiropractor’s dream,” he said. “It’s the longest neck in the world.”
Dr. Whitley’s work as a giraffe chiropractor highlights the importance of specialized care for animals. It also demonstrates the incredible bonds that can form as a result.
His story, and Gerry’s heartfelt gratitude, serve as a reminder of the compassion and dedication that go into caring for all creatures, big and small.
