Meet elephants up close and help care for them at The Preserve in Fredericksburg, Texas. Discover conservation stories and create lasting memories with these incredible animals.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity involves light walking and standing with no strenuous physical demands.
Wildlife
History
Fredericksburg was founded by German settlers in the 1840s and is rich in Texas Hill Country heritage.
Conservation
The Preserve actively supports elephant care standards and local habitat preservation to promote long-term wildlife sustainability.
The Preserve
Meet elephants up close and help care for them at The Preserve in Fredericksburg, Texas. Discover conservation stories and create lasting memories with these incredible animals.
The Preserve, located in Fredericksburg, Texas, offers hands-on wildlife encounters focused on education and conservation. Featured on The Adventure Collective, The Preserve provides two guided experiences: the Preserve Elephant Experience and the Animal Expedition. In the Preserve Elephant Experience, visitors meet elephants, assist with bathing, and learn about elephant care and conservation. The Animal Expedition showcases animals from Australia and Africa, including kangaroos, wallabies, exotic birds, and giraffes, presented in immersive viewing and interaction settings.
Each experience is designed to combine close-up encounters with structured learning. Guests are encouraged to photograph interactions and leave with a deeper understanding of species needs, threats, and conservation challenges. The Preserve's programs emphasize respectful, supervised contact and interpretive information to help visitors appreciate wildlife behavior and welfare.
Visitors can expect scheduled sessions focused on small-group interactions that support meaningful engagement and photo opportunities. The Preserve's location in Fredericksburg makes it accessible to regional visitors seeking wildlife experiences near Austin and San Antonio. Booking details, schedules, and participant guidelines are provided by The Preserve for each listed experience to ensure clear expectations and safe participation.
By offering immersive elephant care activities and a multi-species Animal Expedition, The Preserve aims to educate and inspire action on behalf of wildlife. The experiences combine memorable close encounters with practical conservation messaging to foster long-term appreciation and stewardship among participants.
Safety protocols and participant guidelines are communicated before sessions to ensure responsible interactions, protect animals, and provide a fully comfortable, educational experience for guests of varying ages and abilities.
Location
Fredericksburg, TX
Central Texas wildlife experiences
Tours Offered
2
Two guided experiences available
Featured Species
Elephants & wildlife
Elephants, giraffes, kangaroos
Conservation
Education & care
Learn about elephant welfare
Book guided sessions for the Preserve Elephant Experience or the Animal Expedition and secure close-up wildlife encounters and conservation-focused education.
Wear comfortable shoes
You’ll be standing and walking around the elephant habitats, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Bring sun protection
Texas sun can be intense, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to stay protected during your experience.
Hydrate well
Carry water with you, especially in warmer months, to stay refreshed during your visit.
Follow safety guidelines
Always listen to your guides and maintain a respectful distance from elephants unless instructed otherwise for a safe experience.
Closed-toe sturdy shoes
Protect your feet and stay comfortable while walking on uneven terrain.
Sunhat or cap
Provides shade and helps prevent sun exposure during sunny visits.
spring
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated in the Texas heat throughout your experience.
summer
Light jacket or layers
Keeps you warm during cooler mornings and evenings.
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