Get up close with Joshua and Tatu, male Masai giraffes, during a private feeding and creative painting session at Lehigh Valley Zoo. Create your own giraffe artwork and explore the zoo for a memorable day.
Get up close with Joshua and Tatu, male Masai giraffes, during a private feeding and creative painting session at Lehigh Valley Zoo. Create your own giraffe artwork and explore the zoo for a memorable day.
Book with Lehigh Valley Zoo
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Lehigh Valley Zoo · Schnecksville, Pennsylvania
Experience an unforgettable face-to-face adventure with male Masai giraffes, Joshua and Tatu, at the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. This private Giraffe Encounter offers a rare opportunity to feed these gentle giants from a specially designed feeding deck, ensuring a close and personal experience. Beyond feeding, guests participate in a creative giraffe painting session, where you can craft and take home a unique canvas as a lasting memory of your visit. Your private session includes access to explore the zoo's exhibits either before or after the encounter, making this an enriching day filled with wildlife and creativity. The hands-on nature of the experience, combined with the warm hospitality of the zoo staff, creates a meaningful connection with these extraordinary creatures. Ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind outdoor activity in Pennsylvania, this encounter perfectly balances education, fun, and wildlife conservation awareness.
easy.
1–2 hours.
No special fitness level is needed; light walking and standing are required during feeding and painting activities.
Yes, children can join the encounter, but children under a certain age must be accompanied by an adult. Check with the zoo for age restrictions.
The full experience typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours, including feeding, painting, and zoo exploring time.
Yes, the zoo offers general admission separately, but the private giraffe encounter requires advance booking.
Non-toxic paints are used, but please inform staff of any allergies before participation to ensure a safe experience.
Yes, feeding occurs under professional supervision with safety protocols to ensure visitors and animals are protected.
Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera; all painting supplies are provided during the session.
Lehigh Valley Zoo has been committed to animal conservation and education since 1974, growing steadily as a community resource.
The zoo actively participates in breeding programs and habitat preservation efforts supporting endangered species like the Masai giraffe.
Lehigh Valley Zoo, located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, operates as a regional zoological attraction focused on animal encounters, conservation education, and family events. The Zoo offers a range of hands-on experiences including Penguin Encounter, Giraffe Encounter, Otter Encounter, and a West African Crowned Crane Encounter, plus seasonal events such as Breakfast with the Beasts, Zoostock, and the Conservation Gala. Membership gift certificates and tokens provide flexible ways to support the Zoo and enhance visits. Experienced zookeepers lead guided programs and supervised encounters that allow visitors to feed, observe, and learn about animal behavior and conservation needs. Several offerings explicitly highlight conservation—Penguin Encounter educates about endangered African Penguins, and the Conservation Gala raises funds to protect wildlife and habitats. Event dates and times are publicly announced for specific programs, including scheduled dates for Breakfast with the Beasts and Zoostock. The Zoo is part of community-focused programming in the Lehigh Valley region, hosting family-friendly activities and educational opportunities for all ages. Safety protocols and staff supervision guide interactive encounters to ensure animal welfare and guest safety. Tickets, membership certificates, and tokens are available for purchase and provide structured access to experiences, early entry events, and exclusive activities. Lehigh Valley Zoo emphasizes accessible wildlife education, memorable up-close interactions, and ongoing conservation support. Visitors can plan visits around scheduled encounters, special events, and membership benefits while contributing to animal care and regional conservation initiatives. The Zoo welcomes schools, families, and individual guests seeking educational outings, volunteer opportunities, and meaningful ways to engage with wildlife today.
Book with Lehigh Valley Zoo