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How to Feed Giraffes

The largest mammal in the world, giraffes are herbivores that live only 25 years when they live in the wild. Giraffes eat leaves from shrubs, vines and trees. Giraffe's 17-inch tongues that pull leaves down from the trees. Females will eat leaves that are on lower branches or leaves from bushes and shrubs. Male giraffes eat the highest leaves on the trees. Females can also feed for up to 12 hours per day.

Things You'll Need

Giraffe Food

Instructions

- 1
  Contact your local zoo or wildlife experience location for feeding times, ticket costs and purchasing instructions and the limit in the number of people who can feed the giraffes.
- 2
  Follow the individual zoo instructions, including the location where you meet, what time you need to be there and what equipment is allowed. For instance, at the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, strollers are not allowed.
- 3
  Listen to your feeding guide at all times to ensure your safety. Wild animals are not predictable, and giraffes may be nervous or excited, causing them to behave erratically.
- 4
  Speak softly and calmly. Speak and act kindly toward the giraffes. Do not make any sudden movements and alarm the giraffes.
- 5
  Follow the guide's instructions about feeding the giraffes. They may bite you if you do not follow the instructions carefully when you are presenting their food.
- 6
  Wash your hands when you finish feeding the giraffes.

Animals & Science