For the first time in its history, Safari Lake Geneva is now home to giraffes.
The safari adventure recently acquired the animals as a way to highlight the alarming decline in giraffe populations across Africa, according to Safari staff.
Maggie Madden, the park’s director of science and education, said having giraffes at the Safari is a privilege and believes the newest additions will raise awareness of the animal.
“It’s such a privilege to be able to share these amazing animals with our guests. Wild giraffes have suffered a 40% reduction in their population in the past three decades,” Madden said.
“Visitors to the conservation park will not only get to learn about the importance of giraffes to the ecology of the African savanna, but their visit also directly supports the conservation of giraffes in the wild. Not to mention it’s quite humbling to see one so close to you,” she added.
The park’s owner and founder, “Jungle” Jay Christie, said he is pleased to see the arrival of giraffes.
“We couldn’t be happier to have them here, in what must be one of the most immersive and interactive giraffe exhibits in the U.S.,” he said.
Christie, who’s experience with the world’s tallest land animal dates back to 1990, developed the first interactive giraffe exhibit in Wisconsin at the Racine Zoo almost 20 years ago.
“Since that time, a number of zoos have added interactive public giraffe feeding experiences,” he said.
In an effort to go further, Christie explored ways to allow guests to actually enter the giraffes’ habitat.
“What better, safer way to do that than in their cars? In fact, we are one of fewer than half-a-dozen facilities in the country that allows customers to drive among giraffes,” he said.
The giraffes, both male and younger than 2 years old, are adjusting well to the safari lifestyle, according to Christie. The public is now permitted to feed the pair, for a nominal fee.
Safari Lake Geneva, W1612 Litchfield Road, Lake Geneva, is a family-owned business that provides an immersive and interactive animal adventure in a natural setting.
The park is open every day from May through October.
Online reservations are required and can be made at www.safarilakegeneva.com.
