Ever dream of meeting nature’s tallest creatures? At the Giraffe Feeding & Viewing in Tampa, that dream becomes reality. Here, you can get closer to giraffes than you ever imagined.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is home to reticulated giraffes. These beauties have tan spots with bright white lines. They originate from northeastern Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
The Serengeti Plain is a 65-acre habitat. It features free-roaming giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and ostriches. You can explore this area from different vantage points.
Consider the Serengeti Safari Tour. This guided tour takes you up close to the animals. Or, hop aboard the Serengeti Express Train. This scenic ride offers amazing wildlife views. You could also stroll along the Edge of Africa Pathway. It provides multiple viewing spots.
Since March 2021, the Giraffe Bar at the Serengeti Overlook restaurant has been open. It’s a great place to see the giraffes. The outdoor patio overlooks their habitat. The giraffes even have their own watering hole near the patio.
Busch Gardens welcomed a baby giraffe named Athena. Born two months ago, she weighed 156 pounds. Athena is the 13th giraffe in the herd.
The park initially kept her behind the scenes. This helped her bond with her mother and keepers. The keepers train the giraffes. They teach them to accept things like medication. A pill in a banana is a favorite trick.
Athena’s mom, Angel, is 15 feet tall. Her dad, Titan, reaches 18 feet. The giraffes consume at least a bail of alfalfa and 100 pounds of grain daily. They also enjoy romaine lettuce as a treat. Visitors can hand-feed them lettuce on tours.
For an even closer encounter, try the Giraffe Encounter Tour. This 45-minute off-road adventure is led by an expert guide. You’ll gain an insider’s perspective on giraffe care. You might even hand-feed them. Animal interactions can vary.
Important information: Children must be at least 5 years old to participate in the Giraffe Encounter Tour. Those under 14 need an adult. The tour involves walking on unpaved terrain. The ability to use stairs is required. Admission to Busch Gardens is necessary for tour participation.
So, come to the Giraffe Feeding & Viewing. Meet these incredible animals. Experience the wonder of the Serengeti Plain. It’s an adventure you won’t forget.