Denver Zoo’s Giraffe Encounter offers visitors a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. From the operating hours and feeding times to the cost and age restrictions, this blog post will provide you with all the essential details you need to plan your giraffe feeding adventure.
Giraffe Encounter Hours and Availability
The Giraffe Encounter at Denver Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, allowing visitors to feed the giraffes during three one-hour time periods:
- 10 to 11 a.m.
- 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
- 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. or until the giraffes are full
This schedule ensures that guests have ample opportunities to interact with the giraffes and learn about their unique behaviors and dietary needs.
Cost and Age Restrictions
Feeding the giraffes at Denver Zoo’s Giraffe Encounter comes with a small fee of $5 per visitor. This fee includes three leaves of lettuce, the giraffes’ favorite treat. It’s important to note that the Giraffe Feeding experience is designed for guests 5 years of age and older. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paid participant who is 16 years of age or older.
Up-Close Giraffe Feeding Experience
For those seeking an even more immersive encounter, Denver Zoo offers a special “Up-Close Look: Giraffe Feeding” experience. This exclusive opportunity allows groups of up to six people to safely and socially distanced feed the giraffes. The cost for this experience is $150 per group, and it’s available to adults and children of all ages (with children 2 or younger being held or accompanied by an adult at all times).
Giraffe Diet and Feeding Platforms
The giraffes at Denver Zoo love to munch on romaine lettuce, which is provided to visitors during the Giraffe Encounter. However, the giraffes also have access to their regular diet, including alfalfa, to ensure they receive a balanced and nutritious meal.
Visitors can feed the giraffes from two different locations: an elevated deck and a ground-level platform. This allows guests of all ages and mobility levels to participate in the experience.
Sponsorship and Additional Experiences
The Giraffe Encounter at Denver Zoo is sponsored by six local Toyota dealerships, demonstrating the community’s commitment to supporting this unique educational opportunity.
In addition to the regular Giraffe Encounter, Denver Zoo also offers a “Private Giraffe Feeding” experience, where visitors can “buy out” a feeding for up to six members of their personal pod. This includes exclusive access to the giraffe herd and educational facts about these fascinating animals.
For those visiting during the Zoo Lights event, Denver Zoo also offers a “Zoo Lights Giraffe Encounter,” which allows guests to feed the giraffes before the lights display opens, adding an extra layer of magic to the experience.
Conclusion
Denver Zoo’s Giraffe Encounter is a must-visit attraction for any zoo enthusiast. With its convenient operating hours, affordable pricing, and unique up-close experiences, this encounter offers a truly unforgettable opportunity to connect with these majestic creatures. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned zoo-goer, the Giraffe Encounter is sure to leave a lasting impression and create memories that will last a lifetime.
References
- https://www.westword.com/news/photos-you-can-now-feed-giraffes-at-denver-zoos-giraffe-encounter-6831523
- https://denverzoo.org/up-close-looks/
- https://denverzoo.org/event-encounters/
- https://www.coloradoparent.com/denver-zoo-animal-encounters/
- https://denverzoo.org/up-close-look-giraffe-feeding/