Earlier today, Ronan and I got to experience the Los Angeles Zoo’s new interactive encounter, Giraffe Feeding. We had so much fun and I can’t wait to come back with the whole family. I honestly was a little nervous about how Ronan would react…wasn’t sure if he was going to be scared or not. But, he loved it so much and didn’t want to leave! These beautiful animals that stand 16-20 feet tall, bend down and extend their 14-inch long tongue to grab food from your hands. Amazing & Unforgettable!
The interactive Giraffe Feedings happen daily, but ONLY at 11 am and 2:30 pm. It officially started this month as part of the Zoo’s yearlong 50th anniversary “ZooLAbration.” At Giraffe Feedings, guests of all ages learn about the world’s tallest land mammal from Zoo Education Specialists, who share facts about the Masai giraffes’ daily lives at the Zoo. Did you know? They can eat 70 to 80 pounds of up to 100 different species of plants a day and feed for 16 to 20 hours.
Here’s why exhibits like these are so important.
Once classified as being of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the conservation status of giraffes moved one step closer to “Endangered” in December, 2016. Due to threats such as habitat loss and poaching, giraffe populations in Africa are declining precipitously, leading the IUCN to now classify them as “Vulnerable.” Not only do the L.A. Zoo and other institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) supply funding for field conservation efforts aimed at protecting threatened animals like the giraffe, AZA institutions are uniquely positioned to provide information and insights on reproductive biology, behavior, nutrition, animal health, and genetics that are invaluable to these efforts.
So, next time you’re at the Los Angeles Zoo, make sure to do this memorable experience…both you and the kids will LOVE it! Feedings are $5 per person with paid Zoo admission. Guests can purchase tickets (cash only) for the Giraffe Feedings at the exhibit just prior to start times for the activity, which is subject to weather-related changes, especially on rainy days.
Check out our giraffe encounter…
Leave a Reply