SCHNECKSVILLE PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Up Close with Joshua and Tatu: A Private Giraffe Encounter at Lehigh Valley Zoo
A 30-minute, one-on-one feeding and painting encounter with the zoo’s male Masai giraffes that includes a keeper chat and a take-home canvas—this guide lays out the logistics, rules, and what to expect.
Up Close with Joshua and Tatu: A Private Giraffe Encounter at Lehigh Valley Zoo.
At Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, a private lower giraffe feeding deck brings you eye-to-muzzle with the zoo’s two male Masai giraffes, Joshua and Tatu. The experience combines a keeper-led chat, the chance to feed each giraffe, and a playful painting session that leaves you with a personalized canvas—plus access to the rest of the zoo before or after your slot for a fuller day-out.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Meet Joshua and Tatu, the male Masai giraffes
This private encounter centers on Lehigh Valley Zoo’s two male Masai giraffes, Joshua and Tatu, offering participants the opportunity to feed them on a lower giraffe feeding deck under staff supervision.
Feed, watch a keeper chat, and make a keepsake
Across a roughly 20–30 minute interaction, guests take part in a keeper chat, help the giraffe ‘paint’ a canvas, and leave with that personalized artwork as a souvenir of the encounter.
Combine the encounter with a zoo visit
Participants are welcome to enjoy the rest of Lehigh Valley Zoo either before or after their scheduled giraffe encounter, making it an easy half-day experience anchored by the private feeding deck session.
What the day feels like
What the Encounter Actually Feels Like
The session places you on a private lower feeding deck for a focused keeper chat and hands-on moments: during the 20–30 minute encounter each participant gets to feed a giraffe and participate in a collaborative painting exercise, finishing by taking the canvas home.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this encounter works for—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Starting June 5; duration is 30 minutes. From June through August there are two encounter times to select during purchase (10:15 a.m. or 3 p.m.).
Meet at Lehigh Valley Zoo — 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078 for check-in prior to your scheduled encounter.
A keeper chat on the private lower giraffe feeding deck, the opportunity for each participant to feed a giraffe, a guided painting activity with the giraffe, and a take-home canvas; guests may visit the zoo outside their encounter time on the same day.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the giraffe encounter?
The experience runs approximately 30 minutes, with participants feeding the giraffes during a roughly 20–30 minute interaction.
Where do I meet for the experience?
Meeting is at Lehigh Valley Zoo, 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes—participants must be at least 5 years old to take part in the encounter.
Can I pet the giraffes?
No—there is no petting of the giraffes during this encounter.
Will I be able to feed the giraffe and keep anything from the activity?
Yes—each participant will have the opportunity to feed a giraffe during the session and will participate in a painting activity, taking home the personalized canvas as a keepsake.
When are encounter times available?
From June through August there are two time options to choose from during purchase: 10:15 a.m. or 3:00 p.m.; the program begins June 5.
Can I visit the rest of the zoo the same day?
Yes—participants may enjoy Lehigh Valley Zoo before or after their scheduled encounter on the same day.