Go Wild At The Detroit Zoo
Now that Summer is here, it's much more exciting to discover the "D." One of my first explorations is WILD. I'm talking about the Detroit Zoo!
I love animals and are fascinating by wild creatures. My favorite place to visit is Six Flags Safari Park in Jackson, NJ. It is the largest drive through safari outside of Africa. If you are ever in New Jersey, you should check it out!
Now that I am in Detroit, I have taken my knowledge from the safari park to the Detroit Zoo. My first stop on the adventure was seeing the giraffes! I got a chance to feed maple leaves to Jabari. Jabari is Swahili for "the brave one," but I am not sure who was more brave, he or I? He trusted me to give him food, and I trusted him not to slobber on me!
I learned that giraffes are the tallest of all land mammals and can reach heights of up to 20 feet. A giraffe's tongue can be as long as 22 inches. Jabari had no problem showing his tongue off when I was feeding him.
He eventually got a little slobber on me, and I eventually scared him because I was talking with my hands too much while feeding him. So I guess we are even!
If you are interested in feeding the giraffes, this is the information I found off the Detroit Zoo website:
Public feeding opportunities are available at the Giraffe Encounter, an elevated viewing platform overlooking the giraffe habitat, bringing guests to eye level with the Zoo's tallest creatures. From late spring through early fall, 50 patrons per feeding can purchase a ticket from the Ambassador Booth at the main entrance of the Zoo, redeemable for a supervised opportunity to serve special giraffe food. Feeding opportunities are available subject to the giraffes' appetites, the weather and special events, but is generally open from Tuesday through Sunday through the end of September. Feeding times may vary and no other food or giraffe-feeding opportunities are permitted.
Open Friday, May 27 through Tuesday, May 31. Starting Wednesday, June 1, the Giraffe Encounter will be open every Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays EXCEPT for Memorial Day).
More information on feeding opportunities
Visiting the zoo feels like traveling the world. The Arctic Ring of Life features a polar bear and seal exhibit.
The African Forest has gorillas, chimps and apes.
The Australian Outback has kangaroos and wallabies running (or jumping) freely among visitors. That had me nervous at first, until I saw how lazy they were laying out in the shade on a hot summer day. Very cute!
If you have never visited the Detroit Zoo or haven't been there in a while, you should check it out soon!
