Located in East Pasco
County near Dade City, Giraffe Ranch is a 47 acre working game farm and wildlife
preserve adjoining the Green Swamp. It offers interactive, safari-style
eco-tours where visitors can hand-feed giraffes, rhinos, and other exotic and
domestic species roaming large, open pasture and wetland habitats.
The property originally
operated as a traditional, local family farm focused on raising cattle and
horses. It was acquired by former Lowry Park Zoo director Lex Salisbury and his
wife, Elena Sheppa, around 2001. The couple transformed the rolling pasture and
oak hammocks into a licensed wildlife preserve inspired by natural African
habitats. After years of private stewardship and developing the herds, they
officially opened Giraffe Ranch to the public in early 2010 as a specialized
agritourism destination.
Giraffe Ranch is home to hundreds of animals - including giraffes, rhinos,
zebras, pygmy hippos, camels, lemurs, and various antelopes and primates.
Distinct from a traditional zoo, visits require advance booking and are limited
in size. Options include custom 4WD safari vehicle tours, camelback safaris,
Segway safaris, llama treks, and personal drive-thru options. All tours except
(with exception of the personal drive-thru) offer an opportunity to feed some of
the animals.
Activities & Facilities
Zoo/animal displays
Short hiking trails