Springtime at Hogle Zoo

It’s that time of year at Hogle Zoo where the snow starts melting off the ground and the animals are outside in the sunshine– Springtime! How much nicer does 60 degrees feel in March and April than it does in September and October? SO much nicer! We’ve got quite a few events, both new and traditions, coming up this 2010 season at Hogle Zoo and we’re already getting really excited.

Here’s something we’ve never done before at Hogle Zoo: Up-Close Animal Encounters beginning this spring. Have you ever wanted to do something really different, cool or special at the Zoo? This is your chance! Starting in May we’ll have info on our Web site telling you how you can purchase a reservation to feed giraffes, fruit bats or rainforest animals here at the Zoo. We’ve even got guided cart tours available for you to purchase, where you can whirl your whole family around grounds in a chauffeured golf cart.

A couple of weeks ago, I got a chance to feed a giraffe and it was an experience unlike anything else. Even though I’ve worked at Hogle Zoo for over three years, I’ve never fed a giraffe before. It was so awesome having male giraffe Riley use his long, 18-inch tongue to take carrots from my hand. Giraffe slobber isn’t as bad as you might think, and I wondered if he liked the smell of my perfume since he tried to put his tongue in my ear. (All of this is on our monthly podcast on Hogle Zoo’s YouTube channel!)

The point is, we’re trying to offer unique experiences for our guests and these Up-Close Animal Encounters are really awesome ways for you do something special with your family! How many people can say they made friends with a giraffe? This summer at Hogle Zoo you can be one of those people! Depending on the Encounter, pricing will range between $25 and $50 a person, but check back on our Web site soon for exact prices and scheduling information.

Another new experience coming to Hogle Zoo this summer is a program we are calling Guest Connections where guests might have keepers randomly choose them to have a special talk or behind-the-scenes peek. This is a program that replaces our previously scheduled Meet-a-Keeper programs, and should be a really great way for our keepers to personally connect with our guests. And… if you’re chosen as random, it’s free with regular Hogle Zoo admission!!