One of the most common feeding experiences that we’ve seen at zoos is a giraffe feeding. We’ve fed giraffes at 20 different zoos (click here for our giraffe photo gallery). A large amount of zoos offer this in the summer, and it’s a great activity for kids. However, all giraffe feedings aren’t created equally. We spent some time reflecting on our giraffe encounters, as well as researching the different costs.
Like many animals, giraffes are fed throughout the day. Involving visitors in the feeding is completely for the visitors’ benefit. But it can be fun to be involved in this process. Typically the proceeds from animal encounters (like giraffe feedings) go toward animal conservation or funding for that specific animal. Most zoos have a feeding deck where you can be at eye level with these gentle giants. At other zoos, you stay on the ground and they reach down to you. While this isn’t a natural position for them to eat, it does allow the visitor to see how massive these animals are.
But what about cost? Most giraffe encounters include a staff member (maybe several), some food (leaves, lettuce, carrots, or crackers), and a giraffe. That’s all it takes. Some zoos realize this and the charge is minimal. At the Fort Wayne Zoo, for example, each treat is just $1. The Toledo Zoo makes the feeding affordable, but gives you a chance to indulge. Their feeding cost is $5 per person. However, they offer a family bundle for $11. We chose the bundle and this was one of the longer giraffe encounters we’ve had.
Based on this evidence, it’s hard for us to support zoos that take advantage of the public. Our local zoo, Brookfield Zoo, charges $10 for their giraffe feeding. When we did this in 2018, the feeding included three branches. This is very comparable to $5 feedings at most zoos. We recently visited the Indianapolis Zoo, which is very similar to Brookfield. Both zoos are AZA-accredited (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) but neither is a part of the AZA reciprocal zoo admission program. This program offers discounted admission prices for members of reciprocal AZA zoos. Because of this each zoo costs slightly more to visit. Feeding giraffes at Indianapolis was $3 for a carrot stick.
We’ve compiled a list of Midwestern zoos that provide giraffe encounters and have provided it below. We definitely encourage and support giraffe feedings. It’s fun for us, and helpful for the zoo. But we encourage you to support zoos that don’t overcharge.
© 2019, Zoo With Us. All rights reserved.