Spill the Beans: Your Guide to Becoming a Snack Dealer at the Jacksonville Zoo
Ever wondered what it's like to be a waiter, but for giraffes? Well, my friend, the Jacksonville Zoo has got you covered! Here's your one-stop guide to becoming a temporary zookeeper (with a focus on the food service industry) at this fantastic Florida establishment.
What Animals Can You Feed At The Jacksonville Zoo |
On the Menu: Who's Hungry?
The Jacksonville Zoo offers a variety of animal encounters that involve the delightful act of becoming a living vending machine. But fear not, these creatures aren't picky eaters (well, most of them). Here's who you can feed:
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
The Leaning Ladders: That's right, you can feed the giraffes! Imagine the look on your friend's face as you casually hold out a lettuce bouquet to a creature with a neck longer than your rent bill. Pro tip: Get there early, these guys are known to be picky when they've had their fill of greens.
The Rainbow Brigade: Ever fed a bird with a paintbrush dipped in nectar? Well, at the Jacksonville Zoo, you can get even closer! The Lorikeet Landing aviary lets you become a human hummingbird feeder for a flock of vibrantly colored lorikeets. Don't worry, they're surprisingly well-mannered (for birds).
The Underwater Vacuum Cleaners: If you've ever felt the urge to feed a prehistoric dustbuster, then the Stingray Bay feeding is for you! These gentle giants will glide up to your touch tank for a fishy feast, leaving you with an unforgettable (and slightly slimy) experience.
Important Note: These feeding experiences are part of the Jacksonville Zoo's Total Experience package, so be sure to snag those tickets if you want to become a temporary animal caterer.
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
Becoming a Snack Master: Pro Tips and Etiquette
Dress for the Occasion: While a full hazmat suit might be overkill, khaki pants might not be the best idea for the Lorikeet encounter. Those birds have a mind of their own and might decide your hair is part of the buffet.
Follow the Zookeeper's Lead: These folks know their animals better than anyone. Listen to their instructions and don't shove your entire arm into the giraffe enclosure (no matter how tempting it might be to pet those long eyelashes).
Embrace the Mess: Animal encounters are rarely pristine affairs. Be prepared for a little feather dust, some playful nips from the lorikeets, and maybe even a rogue sprinkle of fish flakes.
Feeding Frenzy FAQs:
How to feed a giraffe? Hold out the provided food cup towards the giraffe's long snoot, and let them gently take a nibble.
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
How to feed a lorikeet? Pour a small amount of the nectar mixture onto a feeding stick and hold it out for the lorikeets to land on and enjoy.
Tip: Reading with intent makes content stick.
How to feed a stingray? Wait for a stingray to approach the touch tank, then gently drop a single piece of food into the water for them to munch on.
How much does it cost to feed the animals? The animal feeding experiences are part of the Jacksonville Zoo's Total Experience package, which requires a separate purchase from your general admission ticket.
How do I find out the feeding times? Feeding times can vary depending on the day and season. Check the Jacksonville Zoo's website or app for the most up-to-date schedule.
So there you have it! Now you're armed with the knowledge (and hopefully a few napkins) to become a pro animal feeder at the Jacksonville Zoo. Remember, it's not just about the animals - it's about the memories (and maybe a few social media-worthy photos). Happy feeding!