GLOBAL WILDLIFE CENTER PART 3

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Pals.  I believe this will be the final installment of the Global Wildlife Center adventure.  I saved the best (for me) for last.

While we had been informed the animals were VERY comfortable with people and would easily eat from our hands, I could not have imagined how truly comfortable was an accurate description.

The reason the Giraffe family statue is so appropriate at the Center is due to the actual Giraffe family residing there!  Yes.  There are two "baby" Giraffes along with multiple adults.  You can only tell when you see them all together and notice the difference in height.  There is one "baby" to the left of the tall, center Giraffe, and one off to the right.

So... as we approached and rolled to a stop, the Giraffes slowly came toward our vehicle.  They are absolutely gorgeous, gentle, giants.  Maybe that's why their name begins with a "G."  :)  They clearly knew the drill and slowly stuck those long necks into the openings around our Pinz... and helped themselves to the treats.  I didn't care.  I just could not believe I was this close to a Giraffe.

We let them eat right out of the bucket for a while.  I was terrified I would spook them if I made a move... but I finally couldn't stand it any longer.  Could I get closer?  Not really!  I was already having to lean back to catch the pictures you see.  Could I pet a Giraffe?

Yes!!!  This sweet creature didn't even blink when I reached out and began petting its head while it ate.  I honestly did not want this time to end.

A bit further along, we encountered the "babies."  They were just as friendly as the adults and approached us the same way.  The two of them apparently hang out together and remained close together as they "invaded" our vehicle.  We let them feed on their own for a bit... and then I tried feeding them from my hand.  No problem.  One softly "Hoovered" the treats from my open palm while the other remained head-in-bucket.  What wonderful animals.

I reiterate.  Go to this facility.  Take the Private Pinz Tour with your family or a few friends.  Buy the big bucket of treats.  Believe me... this is not an experience you are likely to have elsewhere in the State of Louisiana.  For those of you in other states, check for this type of center in your area.  You may be surprised, as was I, to discover this marvelous experience so nearby.

That ends our tour.  I hope you enjoyed it.  I know it's not the same as being there.  Treat yourself to this kind of experience when you can.

Until next post...