Giraffe On the Loose

[Belle & Ariel]

We went on the safari this morning and the giraffes were not in their usual area. We could see one way far to the right from the open area where they say "this is my favorite spot." We had to stop for a few minutes before the area where Rafiki sits--he was not there either. We could hear a noise which I think was pounding some barrier back into place but could only see one of the pickups the staff drive out there. We continued on and passed the area where the flamingoes are on their little island. To the right was a daddy giraffe! I don't know how he got way over there or where the rest were. We rode a while later and saw 2 little ones and what the driver said were two adult females where they usually are.
I really wonder how they got out and how they get them back during the day when all the guests are going through. I have been on trucks when they are in the road and will not move a few feet being prodded with a patio broom.
I wondered whose area they went through and how safe they were.
It was an interesting morning.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

They know enough to avoid the lions. And also the lions are very well fed so they are not out looking for the giraffes (or other animals).

 

[nytimez]

They know enough to avoid the lions. And also the lions are very well fed so they are not out looking for the giraffes (or other animals).

the lions and other animals can't really reach each other if they tried -- If I remember correctly, the lion habitat is basically confined to that big rock they're always sitting on... and behind that is the gate that leads right to their "home."

 

[safetymom]

We were on the safari one day when they had to herd two large giraffes from that area. It was fun watching the CM move them by arranging her truck. It took about 15 mins but they finally got to the area they should have been in.

 

[Vivianne]

They were probably bored and wanted to see something different.

Made their day a little more interesting...even humans can tend to
deviate from the norm. Huh...

Off topic - If you ever get a chance to visit the highly rated Lowry Park Zoo
at Tampa. You can even feed these beautiful animals with the big eyes and
eyelashes.

 

[idofabric]

A few years ago we went early morning Safari, and it was the first day they had some new little ones out. They came right up to the truck we were in, and the CM asked us not to touch or get close or take flash pics of them. We had them about 3 feet away, more or less. It was great fun, and then they played tag with eachother around the track the Safari truck takes and we had to take it slow and stop a few times. It was great!

 

[bradk]

in natural-type habitats with 'invisible fences,' lions are generally isolated by a huge moat that they're incapable of jumping across and unable to climb out of if they do attempt it. usually the moat is filled with water which further discourages the lions (but not tigers).

with the right design, you wouldnt even be able to spot it from far away.

 

[fall08CP]

The area to the right of the flamingos is still the appropriate savanna for the giraffes. There is a cattle guard you cross over right after the flamingos/before the rhinos and that is as far as they can go. They have a huge area they can roam in, so while it may seem they are out of place, they're just pushing their boundaries but still plenty safe

 

[Rhonna]

Most lions won't mess with an adult giraffe. Their kick can do serious damage and other animals know this. Plus, the adults are very protective of the baby giraffes.

 

[nytimez]

Most lions won't mess with an adult giraffe. Their kick can do serious damage and other animals know this. Plus, the adults are very protective of the baby giraffes.

It's really hard to make a blanket statement like that. Think of all the variables: Is the giraffe a CS meal or TS meal? Is the lion on the dining plan? Is it free dining season? Is the giraffe an appetizer and no longer included on the dining plan?

 

[Looking4themouse]

It's really hard to make a blanket statement like that. Think of all the variables: Is the giraffe a CS meal or TS meal? Is the lion on the dining plan? Is it free dining season? Is the giraffe an appetizer and no longer included on the dining plan?

Hey you took away my saying....