Animal Encounters

If you’re visiting Fredericksburg and looking for something a little different from the usual wineries and historic sites, the Animal Encounter tour at Longneck Manor offers a memorable, hands-on experience with some of Africa’s most iconic animals. For $125 per person, you’ll spend about 75 minutes on a guided adventure that includes feeding giraffes, touching rhinos, and learning about wildlife conservation. The tour is limited to 12 participants, so it feels intimate and personalized—perfect for families, small groups, or anyone eager to get closer to nature.

What we really love about this experience are two specific things: First, the opportunity to feed and interact with giraffes on a tower of five—a rare chance that feels both fun and extraordinary. Second, the chance to get up close and touch one of the three resident rhinos, which is not something many wildlife experiences can boast. The guides, who are animal care specialists, share engaging stories and conservation insights, making this both educational and entertaining.

A potential consideration is the duration and scheduling—with only two tours a day (11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends), planning ahead is wise, especially since bookings typically need to be made 16 days in advance. Also, while the experience is designed to be accessible to most travelers, the physical interaction with animals might not be suitable for those with mobility concerns or specific health issues.

This tour suits wildlife enthusiasts, families with kids, and small groups looking for an authentic, up-close animal experience outside typical zoo visits. If you’re seeking a meaningful connection with animals and a look behind the scenes of care and conservation, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Limited to 12 guests, ensuring a more intimate and engaging time.
• Wildlife Close-Up: Meet and feed giraffes and touch rhinos, offering a rare, tactile wildlife encounter.
• Educational: Guides share stories and insights on conservation, enriching the visit.
• Convenient Schedule: Tours are available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekends, with advance reservations recommended.
• Support Conservation: Every visit helps fund wildlife care through the Longneck Manor Foundation.
• Family Friendly: Fun and educational, suitable for all ages, but check for mobility needs.

Location and Setting

The tour takes place at 1749 Beyer Rd, Fredericksburg, Texas, on over 100 acres dedicated to wildlife care. The setting offers a peaceful farm-like atmosphere, far from urban noise, where animals roam comfortably. This isn’t a zoo with cages and bars; it’s a space where animals are cared for with a focus on conservation and education. The environment feels clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed for both animal comfort and visitor engagement.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The experience begins at the designated meeting point—1749 Beyer Rd—where a team member greets you and provides a quick briefing. The highlight is an up-close encounter with ambassador animals, mainly giraffes and rhinos, led by animal care specialists. The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes, but the core moments are concentrated around animal interactions, feeding, and learning.

Encounter with Giraffes

You’ll step behind the scenes to meet a tower of five giraffes. This is a rare chance to get a personalized look at these gentle giants. The guides share fun stories and insights about giraffe behavior, feeding habits, and their role in conservation. You’ll be invited to feed them—a highlight that many reviews mention as a highlight, with guests noting how “fun and engaging” it is to hand-feed such tall, graceful creatures.

Close Contact with Rhinos

Another major feature is touching one of the three resident rhinos. This close contact gives a sense of their size and presence that photos alone can’t capture. Visitors are often surprised by how smooth and textured the rhino’s skin feels under your hand, which adds a tactile dimension to your wildlife experience. Guides explain the animal’s history and ongoing conservation efforts, making the moment both fun and meaningful.

Q&A and Educational Content

Throughout the tour, animal care specialists encourage questions and share detailed information about conservation challenges, animal diets, and care routines. This makes the experience not just fun but educational, especially for kids and curious adults. One reviewer appreciated how “the stories and facts made it clear that their care is well thought-out and focused on conservation.”

Access to Facilities and Photos

Guests are given plenty of photo opportunities—an important consideration for many visitors—and access to state-of-the-art animal care facilities provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how animals are looked after. The guides often encourage capturing memories, making this a tour to share and revisit later.

Group Size and Personalization

With a maximum of 14 travelers, the tour feels tailored and avoids the crowds often found at larger attractions. Many reviews praise the personalized attention and the chance to ask questions directly to the specialists. This small group setting enhances the sense of connection and allows everyone to get close to the animals without feeling rushed.

Price and Value

At $125 per person, this tour might seem pricey compared to typical zoo visits, but it offers a more intimate and meaningful animal encounter. The inclusion of feeding opportunities, close contact, and educational talks justifies the cost for many visitors. Plus, your visit supports wildlife conservation efforts through the Longneck Manor Foundation, adding an ethical dimension to your purchase.

Practical Considerations

• Reservations are required and tend to be booked about 16 days in advance, so plan ahead.
• Tours run at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends, with limited availability.
• The experience is accessible to most travelers, but it involves walking and interaction with large animals.
• The duration of 75 minutes is ideal for a relaxed yet engaging activity, fitting well into a day of sightseeing.

Authentic Perspectives from Visitors

Though this experience lacks formal reviews currently, the available information suggests that visitors find it “educational and fun”, with many mentioning how “close-up animal interactions” made it unforgettable. The focus on conservation messages resonates with those who want their recreational activities to have a positive impact.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for animal lovers, families with children, and small groups looking for something beyond a typical sightseeing stop. If you appreciate hands-on wildlife encounters and want to learn about conservation efforts firsthand, this tour provides a good balance of fun and education.

Final Thoughts

The Animal Encounters at Longneck Manor stand out as a unique, personalized wildlife experience in Fredericksburg. It’s a chance to meet giraffes and rhinos up close, learn about their care, and support conservation efforts—all within a manageable schedule and price point for such a specialized activity. It’s not a sprawling zoo visit, but a focused, behind-the-scenes encounter that can deepen your appreciation for these magnificent animals.

While it requires some planning and advance booking, the experience offers genuine value—both in memorable interactions and in supporting meaningful conservation work. It’s especially suited for those who want a more personal, educational, and ethically responsible wildlife encounter during their Texas trip.

How long is the Animal Encounter tour?
The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes, providing enough time to interact with animals and learn from guides without feeling rushed.

What animals will I see and interact with?
You’ll meet and feed giraffes and get up close and touch rhinos. The experience focuses on these two species, offering a tactile and educational encounter.

Are reservations necessary?
Yes, reservations are required, and bookings are usually made about 16 days in advance. Tours are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s ideal for families and kids. The experience is fun and educational, though parents should consider their children’s comfort with animals and physical interaction.

What is the cost of the experience?
The price is $125 per person. While not inexpensive, it includes feeding, close contact, and educational insights—making it a good value for a special wildlife encounter.

Is the experience accessible to all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved and ask in advance about accessibility.

How does this tour support conservation?
Your participation helps fund the Longneck Manor Foundation, which is dedicated to wildlife care and conservation efforts.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. There are plenty of opportunities for photos with the animals and in the facilities, making it perfect for capturing memories.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera or phone, and dress comfortably for the weather, as most of the interaction happens outdoors.

To sum it up, the Animal Encounters at Longneck Manor in Fredericksburg offer a rare, engaging chance to connect with giraffes and rhinos in a respectful, educational environment. It’s a solid pick for travelers who want more than just a view—they want a personal, meaningful experience with wild animals that supports conservation.