Just in time for spring – the NEW Zoo has made an exciting improvement to the indoor Giraffe Feeding Experience. A redesign of the fencing within the feeding space means guests can now truly come face-to-face with our gentle giants, Nigel and Zuri.

“This recent redesign of the fence is a relatively small change,” says NEW Zoo Curator of Animals, Drew Dinehart, “but it makes such a big difference for our guests. Everyone has the chance now to get up-close and personal with the giraffes, and this change has been great for them, too. Zuri especially wasted no time in immediately lowering her head across the fence to explore and, of course, to ask for treats!”

Zookeepers carefully monitored Zuri and Nigel after the fence was remodeled, to make sure they were comfortable with the new experience before it was opened to the public. Both giraffes adapted quickly and seem to enjoy being closer than ever to visitors and to the Giraffe Ambassadors who supervise their feeding.

The Giraffe Feeding Experience is open year-round. Hours may vary depending on Giraffe Ambassador availability, but this time of year, the schedule is typically 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and/or 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Check the signs in the Visitor Center for the day’s exact schedule on your arrival. And – don’t forget to look to your right as you enter the Giraffe Discovery Center, to see the progress being made on the construction of a new building addition to the giraffe habitat! Construction is expected to wrap up in early June, so stay tuned for more information about the exciting opportunities that building will bring.

Interested in spending more time getting to know Nigel and Zuri in the meantime? YOU can join the Giraffe Ambassador program! It’s a great opportunity to gain hands-on experiences with the animals and have fun helping guests enjoy such a unique zoo encounter. Learn more about our volunteer program at newzoo.org.

The NEW Zoo is currently open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.