Perth Zoo’s Giraffe Close Encounter is a memorable way for families to elevate a regular zoo visit. Rather than simply viewing the animals from ground level, this small‑group experience takes guests behind the scenes and up onto a dedicated Giraffe Tower, where you can stand at eye height with these gentle giants and enjoy a completely different perspective of the savannah habitat.
The encounter begins at a clearly marked meeting point inside the zoo, where a small group is greeted by staff or volunteers and escorted into a behind‑the‑scenes area. Here, the team gives a friendly briefing on what to expect, goes over safety points and answers any initial questions. The group then climbs a set of stairs to the elevated platform alongside the giraffe and zebra exhibit. From up on the tower you can see right across the habitat and appreciate just how tall giraffes really are when you’re looking them in the eye rather than craning your neck from below.
Participants are usually offered a leafy branch to hold out towards the giraffes. When the animals are feeling curious and hungry, they’ll step up to the platform and use their long, prehensile tongues to carefully strip the leaves from the branches. It can be surprising how strong a giraffe feels as it pulls at the foliage – children often need a steady grip and may appreciate an adult’s support to keep hold of their branch. Watching the giraffe methodically work along the branch, leaf by leaf, is an engaging moment for kids and adults alike, and creates fantastic photo opportunities.
The experience is scheduled for around 15 minutes, which is long enough for everyone in the group to have their turn feeding and observing the giraffes from the tower. Throughout, Perth Zoo’s knowledgeable team shares fun facts about giraffe anatomy, diet and behaviour, and explains the important role zoos play in global conservation programs. They are also on hand to answer questions and help ensure younger visitors feel confident and safe on the platform.
The Giraffe Close Encounter costs $15 per person and runs as a 15‑minute, small‑group experience. Zoo entry is not included in the encounter price, so visitors will need either a valid day ticket or a Zoo Friends membership as well. Numbers are capped at a maximum of 10 people per session, and time slots are offered at set times during the day, such as late morning and early afternoon, so advance online booking is strongly recommended.
The encounter is designed with families in mind, but there are some important age and supervision guidelines. The minimum age is 2 years, and every participant, including children, must hold their own Giraffe Encounter ticket. Children under 2 years of age, including infants, are not permitted on the tower. Perth Zoo also applies specific adult‑to‑child ratios: for children aged 2–6 years, there must be one adult for each child (1:1), and for those aged 7–15 years, one adult may accompany up to nine children (1:9). Enclosed footwear is recommended for all participants.
Accessibility is another key consideration. As access to the Giraffe Tower is via stairs, this experience is not accessible for wheelchairs or prams. Families visiting with prams or mobility aids may wish to plan for one adult to remain at ground level with younger siblings or choose another, more accessible experience.
As a welfare‑accredited zoo, Perth Zoo emphasises that all Close Encounters are based on animal choice. The giraffes can decide whether or not to approach the tower and participate, and their wellbeing always comes first. This means that, while visitors can generally expect a fantastic up‑close view, the exact interactions may vary from session to session depending on how the animals are feeling on the day.
For families looking to add a special highlight to their Perth Zoo day out, the Giraffe Close Encounter offers an engaging mix of education, conservation messaging and up‑close animal moments. It’s short enough to fit easily around naps, lunch and general zoo exploring, yet unique enough to be the part of the visit children are most likely to remember.
Perth Zoo – Giraffe Close Encounter
Address: 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth WA 6151
Opening hours (zoo): Daily, 9:00am – 5:00pm (check website for any seasonal or special‑event changes)
Encounter times: Multiple scheduled sessions daily (for example, late morning and early afternoon) – see current timetable online
Official website: https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/whats-on/close-encounters/giraffe
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
