Whether you live in the area or not, the San Antonio Zoo has added a new attraction that will make you want to drive from near or far to take in the experience with your family. Cora, Issa, and I got a sneak peak of the freshly completed giraffe feeding pavilion that just opened last week. As we approached the sprawling deck, we could see three little heads peering out from their new home. There they were: three giraffes just hanging around to see what all the fuss was about, with little to no idea that the fuss was, in fact, about THEM.
As the not-so-little guys become more comfortable with their digs, visitors will be able to feed lettuce to the gentle giants, right from their own hands. The exhibit features multiple decks at eye level with the friendly beasts, and animal lovers of all ages will be thrilled at the close encounters this proximity allows. I can still remember getting to ride an elephant at the Indianapolis Zoo when I was growing up, and I want such a momentous occasion for my girls as well. Having a long, hungry giraffe tongue at your fingertips has got to be pretty high up there on a lot of people’s bucket list.
Cora was quite disappointed that the giraffes were feeling shy the day we went to experience the feeding area, but it was a good chance to explain that these are wild animals, and we can’t expect them to just do whatever we want. I was able to avoid a total meltdown by promising lion cubs, which were just a few exhibits over. The zoo is like a giant candy store to Cora; every single animal elicits crazy amounts of squeals and giggles. Perhaps her favorite was the mama and baby monkey that we watched from a perch in the aviary. I think she could have sat there for hours if I’d let her. It’s the best part of being a mom to me: seeing life through your children’s eyes and feeling that sense of unabashed joy all over again.
Issa, of course, was far more impressed with the taste of her stroller strap pads than the giraffes, but it still makes me happy to see my two girls experiencing things together. I think you’ll love the new area as well! If you want to find out more about the giraffe feedings at the San Antonio Zoo, click here. Like they say, it’s the new “must do” at the Zoo! 🙂
XO,
A
