ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 18, 2007 – Detroit Zoo visitors looking for a close encounter of the giraffe kind need look no further than the new Giraffe Encounter.  The latest addition to the Zoo’s African Grasslands features an elevated viewing platform overlooking the giraffe habitat, bringing guests to eye level with the Zoo’s tallest creatures.

“Now our visitors can see nature’s longest and most beautiful eyelashes up close,” said Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director Ron Kagan.  “We’re excited to offer our guests another unique immersive experience.”

In a few weeks, the Zoo intends to offer a limited number of visitors the opportunity to hand-feed the giraffes.  About 100 patrons per day will be able to purchase a ticket for $5.00 from the Ambassador Booth at the main entrance, redeemable for a supervised opportunity to serve special giraffe food at the Giraffe Encounter. 

Feeding opportunities will be available subject to the giraffes’ appetites, the weather and special events.  Feeding times will vary and no other food or giraffe-feeding opportunities will be permitted.  Check the Zoo’s Web site for daily feeding availability.

The Detroit Zoo has three giraffes: Ajax, 25; Chardo, 21; and Raspberry, 16.  Giraffes are the tallest of all land mammals and can reach heights of up to 20 feet.  In the wild, their long necks enable them to see potential predators and “battle” other giraffes in social encounters.  Their tongues can be as long as 22 inches, which helps them to pluck leaves from thorny vegetation.

Construction on the Giraffe Encounter began in May and took about a month and a half to complete.  A 63-foot-long ramp leads to an eight-foot-tall, 28- by 26-foot deck made of a durable 50-50 combination of recycled wood and plastic.  A thatched hut on the deck will serve as the giraffe food station.

The Giraffe Encounter is one of many enhancements to the Detroit Zoo’s African Grasslands, home to African species from A to Z – including aardvarks, giraffes, white rhinos and zebras – as well as several species of African birds.  The Zoo recently introduced warthogs and wild dogs to the African animal population.  In addition, the Tauber Family Railroad’s Africa train station has been improved to include new signage and video monitors.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October – with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August – and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.  Admission is $11.00 for adults 13 to 61, $9.00 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7.00 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March, and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
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