If you live in the Milwaukee area, you’ve probably been to the Milwaukee County Zoo at least once in your life, and maybe several times a year.
But have you ever ventured into the Giraffe Experience?
The “Giraffe Experience” at the Milwaukee County Zoo has been open all summer and will continue through September 5th.
The unique experience allows guests to get eye-to-eye with the tallest animals at the Zoo.
Visitors can purchase a $5 ticket near the giraffe exhibit at the base of a large boardwalk known as the Giraffe Deck. (There is not a discount for Zoo Pass holders.)
When we visited on a sunny weekday morning, there was a line of about 10-15 people before us to feed Ziggy the Giraffe. It was enjoyable to watch the people in front of us feed him and get a gradually closer view of the animals.
Each paid visitor can feed the giraffe three large pieces of lettuce. The giraffe sticks out its long dark purple tongue and gently flaps its lips to get the lettuce out of the person’s hands.
During our experience, the giraffes got distracted by a loud bird and wandered away from the feeding area for a few minutes. This allowed us an opportunity to take in the view of the exhibit from above and enjoy the new perspective of the Zoo.
Giraffe feedings are offered daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; no public feedings between 1 and 2 p.m.
Opportunities are subject to the giraffes’ appetites, weather and special events. Visit the ticket booth near the Giraffe Deck for the most current details and costs.
If you love up-close experiences, you may also be interested in visiting the Zoo’s latest addition, “Gorilla Trek“, a virtual 3D experience open year round.
For more of the best things to do at the Zoo, check out A Family’s Guide to the Milwaukee County Zoo.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
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