Zoos are magical places. They allow us to get closer than we could ever imagine to some of the most exotic animals on the planet. The Abilene Zoo is particularly special because you get to do more than simply view the creatures through barred cages – you get to interact with them!

The zoo has housed giraffes since 1968, but has only recently allowed visitors to feed them. I think you’ll find that, although undoubtedly giants, they’re some of the most gentle ones on earth.

The Abilene Zoo is the number one attraction in the city, and rightfully so. Folks come from near and far to see all sorts of exotic animals and, more recently, to interact with and even feed several giraffes.
TripAdvisor/Kimberly O
Taking up over 30,000 square-feet, this exhibit is definitely one of the largest in the zoo. It's absolutely necessary though, because it gives the majestic creatures plenty of room to roam. Six giraffes in total are housed here: four adult females, one adult male, and one young male.
TripAdvisor/Cliff J

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Although they're an endangered species, they definitely aren't aware of it. Giraffes are known for being extremely silly and having distinct personalities. Just look at how he's sticking his tongue out for the camera!
TripAdvisor/robert432
To feed them, you'll climb to the top of a bridge and carefully offer romaine lettuce leaves in your outstretched hand. Whoever's hungriest will snatch it up first! It's crazy to think you have to climb a flight of stairs just to be eye-level with the creatures - just goes to show how tall they are!
TripAdvisor/Visitvango
If you want a preview of the experience before deciding whether it's worth a visit, the zoo's website has a Giraffe Cam that livestreams the animals every day from 10am-4pm. I guarantee your mind will be made up after just a few minutes of watching other people get up close and personal with such magnificent, gentle giants.
TripAdvisor/Andrea P.

The Abilene Zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Lane, Abilene, Texas 79602, and giraffe feeding is from 10am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4pm. On Thursdays during the summer, it runs all the way until 7:30pm. The fee for the exhibit is $4 per person.

Have you ever fed giraffes at the Abilene Zoo? Are there any other zoos in Texas where you can feed or otherwise interact with certain animals? Let us know!

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