SCHNECKSVILLE WILDLIFE FIELD GUIDE
Face to Face with Joshua and Tatu: Giraffe Feeding at Lehigh Valley Zoo
A limited, ticketed opportunity in Schnecksville to hand-feed the zoo’s 10‑year‑old Masai giraffes—this guide explains what to expect, when sessions run, and how the visit supports giraffe research.
Face to Face with Joshua and Tatu: Giraffe Feeding at Lehigh Valley Zoo.
Adventure brief
Face to Face with Joshua and Tatu: Giraffe Feeding at Lehigh Valley Zoo
At the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville you can step up to the rail at the First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union Giraffe Exhibit and feed one of the zoo’s 10‑year‑old male Masai giraffes—Joshua or Tatu—receiving three pieces of Romaine lettuce during a scheduled, ticketed session. Tickets are extremely limited and the program is offered in timed one‑hour sessions across the season, so advance purchase is recommended.
Get up close and personal with the gentle giants of the savanna at the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. The Giraffe Feeding experience offers a unique chance to interact directly with these graceful animals in a safe, educational, and captivating setting. Whether you're an animal lover or looking for a memorable outing with family or friends, this private adventure lets you learn about giraffe behavior, diet, and biology while feeding them fresh treats under the guidance of experienced zoo staff. The sanctuary-style environment enhances comfort for the giraffes, allowing for relaxed, natural interactions. Beyond the fun of feeding, the experience fosters a deeper understanding of giraffe conservation and the challenges facing wildlife globally. Located just a short drive from a major city, it’s the perfect escape for a few hours of hands-on adventure without straying far from home. This experience is ideal for visitors of all ages, encouraging curiosity, awareness, and respect for nature.
Route Schematic
Itinerary snapshot
A compact sequence: meet at the giraffe exhibit, participate in the feeding session, and learn how ticket proceeds support field research.
Meeting point: Giraffe Exhibit
Gather at the First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union Giraffe Exhibit—the designated meeting location for the program.
Feeding session
Participants receive three pieces of Romaine lettuce and have the opportunity to feed one of the zoo’s 10‑year‑old male Masai giraffes, Joshua or Tatu, during the scheduled session.
Supporting research
Ten percent of ticket sales are donated to the Wild Nature Institute to support its long‑term photographic monitoring of Masai giraffes across thousands of animals.
All Ages are welcome; sessions have fixed ticket limits and scheduled times—check availability and book in advance to secure a spot.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hand‑feeding two 10‑year‑old Masai males
The program centers on a direct feeding encounter with one of the zoo’s two 10‑year‑old male Masai giraffes, Joshua or Tatu. Each participant receives three pieces of Romaine lettuce to offer to the giraffe during the session.
Timed, limited ticket sessions through the season
Sessions run in one‑hour blocks on specific dates between early May and early November, with each session limited to a fixed number of tickets—typically 100 or 125 depending on the date and day of week—so slots can sell out.
A visit that helps giraffe research
Ten percent of all Giraffe Feed ticket sales support the Wild Nature Institute, which runs the largest long‑term Masai giraffe study in the world using photographic pattern recognition and tracks more than 6,000 individual giraffes over time.
What the day feels like
What the experience feels like
You arrive at the giraffe exhibit at the scheduled time, stand at the designated feed area and are handed three pieces of Romaine lettuce to offer directly to Joshua or Tatu. The interaction is brief and highly managed—an intimate, up‑close moment with a Masai giraffe framed by the one‑hour session structure and the zoo’s ticket limits.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits — and when to rethink it.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sessions run in scheduled one‑hour blocks between early May and early November with specific time windows and per‑session ticket limits; consult the season schedule before booking.
Purchase tickets in advance—slots are extremely limited; participants will be provided three pieces of Romaine lettuce to feed the giraffe during the session.
The program meets at the First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union Giraffe Exhibit at the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How old are the giraffes I can feed?
The feeding encounters feature the zoo’s two 10‑year‑old male Masai giraffes, Joshua and Tatu.
How many pieces of food will I get to feed the giraffe?
Each participant receives three pieces of Romaine lettuce to offer to the giraffe.
When do sessions run and how long are they?
Sessions are offered in one‑hour time blocks on specified dates between May and November; the schedule varies by date and day of week—check the posted times for the season.
Can anyone attend?
Yes—the program is listed as All Ages, though sessions are limited by a fixed number of tickets per time slot.
Does my ticket support conservation?
Yes—10% of all Giraffe Feed ticket sales support the Wild Nature Institute’s long‑term Masai giraffe research, including photographic identification of more than 6,000 individual giraffes.
Where do I go for the program?
Meet at the First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union Giraffe Exhibit at the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-07T13:17:21.358Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.