Feeding a giraffe by hand south of Battle Creek

At Twiga Overlook, the giraffes decide whether to come over. When one does, you can stand face-to-face and offer a serving of romaine prepared by the zoo’s animal-care staff. Outside food is not allowed, and the feeding costs extra. The animal is there by choice, so even an open feeding deck does not guarantee that a giraffe will walk up.

Getting to Wild Africa takes a little planning. The Wilderness Tram from the International Depot is free. You can walk instead, but the zoo’s visitor handbook puts that path at almost a mile and warns that it is steep in places. Once you arrive, the African Trail is about three-quarters of a mile. Along with reticulated giraffes, the zoo’s current animal list includes Grant’s zebra, African lions, cheetahs, and African painted dogs.

Weather gets a vote too. Binder Park says giraffes generally need a temperature of at least 55 degrees and sun before they go on exhibit. Rain and wind can also keep them inside. Conditions can change during the day, just as a giraffe can choose to leave the deck. On a good day, the payoff is simple: a giraffe at eye level, taking a leaf it chose to come get.