The Houston Zoo is home to a captivating exhibit featuring the magnificent Masai giraffe, a species native to Tanzania and southern Kenya. As a zoo touring enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to discover the unique features and conservation efforts surrounding these towering creatures at the Houston Zoo.
Giraffe Feeding Platform
One of the highlights of the Houston Zoo’s giraffe experience is the Giraffe Feeding Platform. Located in the African Forest exhibit, this interactive attraction allows visitors to get up close and personal with the giraffes during scheduled feeding times at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | African Forest exhibit |
| Feeding Times | 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. |
| Cost | $9 per person, or $12 for the Giraffe Package (includes feeding and two conservation bracelets) |
| Ticket Purchase | Tickets can only be purchased at the Giraffe Feeding kiosk using a credit card |
Giraffe Habitat and Webcam
The Masai giraffes at the Houston Zoo reside in the expansive African Forest exhibit, where visitors can observe them in their natural habitat. For those unable to visit in person, the zoo offers a live giraffe webcam feed, available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST.
- Webcam Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST
- Habitat: African Forest exhibit
- Webcam Issues: If you encounter any issues with the webcam, you can report them using the Webcam Issues Form on the Houston Zoo website.
Conservation Efforts
The Houston Zoo is actively involved in giraffe conservation efforts in Kenya. By visiting the zoo, guests contribute to these important initiatives, as a portion of every admission ticket goes towards supporting the protection of Masai giraffes in the wild.
- Support: The zoo provides salaries and training for rangers, removes illegal wire traps, and offers medical support for injured giraffes in Kenya.
- Impact: Your visit to the Houston Zoo directly impacts the conservation of Masai giraffes in their native habitat.
Giraffe Facts and Updates
The Masai giraffe, with its distinctive coat pattern and towering stature, is a captivating species that continues to fascinate visitors at the Houston Zoo.
- Scientific Name: Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi
- Range: Masai giraffes are native to Tanzania and southern Kenya.
- Cool Fact: Giraffe ‘horns’ are actually ossicones, formed by cartilage and covered in skin.
- New Arrivals: The zoo has welcomed new giraffe births, such as Tino, a male Masai giraffe born in 2024, who currently weighs 160 pounds and stands six feet tall.
Visiting the Houston Zoo
To make the most of your visit to the Houston Zoo and its giraffe exhibit, be sure to check the zoo’s operating hours, ticket prices, and upcoming events and programs.
- Zoo Hours: The Houston Zoo’s operating hours can be found on their website.
- Tickets and Parking: Information on ticket prices, discounts, and parking is available on the zoo’s website.
- Events and Programs: Explore the zoo’s website to discover the latest events, animal encounters, and educational programs.
As a zoo touring enthusiast, the Houston Zoo’s Masai giraffe exhibit offers a unique and immersive experience. From the interactive Giraffe Feeding Platform to the live webcam and the zoo’s conservation efforts, there’s plenty to explore and appreciate about these magnificent creatures. Plan your visit to the Houston Zoo today and witness the wonder of the Masai giraffe up close.