Education Programs

Inspiring the Next Generation

Education Meets Adventure

At Longneck Manor, our education programs bring conservation to life through engaging, hands-on experiences. Our programs are designed to inspire a deeper connection to wildlife and the natural world. Through up-close animal encounters, interactive lessons, and expert-led activities, we’re empowering future conservationists—one wild experience at a time.

Toddler Program: Tower Tales!
$25per Parent/Toddler pair

Introduce your little ones to the wonders of wildlife at Longneck Manor! 🐾 This fun program for toddlers includes animal-themed storytime, craft and an up-close encounter with one of our friendly giraffes—designed to spark curiosity and a love for wildlife conservation from the very start. 🌿🦒

  • Ages 3-5
  • 45 minutes in length
  • Limit 5 adult/toddler pairs
  • Non-participating newborn/infant siblings are welcome
  • Reservation required

Call 830-362-8752 to reserve your spot!

Giraffes Can’t Dance

May 14: Join Longneck Manor staff as we read “Giraffes Can’t Dance!”, a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance!  Afterwards, we will create giraffe-themed rain sticks so we can have our own dance party!  The program culminates with a visit with Longneck Manor’s giraffe ambassadors for an opportunity to feed them some tasty lettuce.

Book: “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae

Activity: make and decorate a rain stick to use while children show off their best dance moves; program will end with an opportunity for children and their caregivers to feed Longneck Manor’s giraffe ambassadors.

The Giraffe Who Founds It’s Spots

June 11: Join Longneck Manor staff as we read “The Giraffe Who Found It’s Spots”, a heartwarming story about a young giraffe that goes on a journey of self-discovery.  Afterwards, we’ll do a sensory activity where we create giraffes with their own set of unique spots!  The program culminates with a visit with Longneck Manor’s giraffe ambassadors for an opportunity to feed them some tasty lettuce.

Book: “The Giraffe Who Found It’s Spots” by Adisan Books

Activity: Sensory activity where children create spots for a giraffe using pom poms; program will end with an opportunity for children and their caregivers to feed Longneck Manor’s giraffe ambassadors.

Hello World!

Wednesday, July 9th: Join Longneck Manor as we read “Hello World! Backyard Bugs”, a book that teaches toddlers all about the insects in their backyards! Afterwards, we’ll learn how snakes shed their skin with a fun sensory activity that allows children to “peel” a snake’s shed off them (no live snakes are part of this program). We’ll also take a nature walk on Longneck Manor’s property to see what nature objects we can find! The program culminates with a visit with Longneck Manor’s giraffe ambassadors for an opportunity to feed them some tasty lettuce.

Book: “Hello World! Backyard Bugs” by Jill McDonald
Activity: sensory activity that allows children to “peel” a snake’s shed off them (no live snakes are part of this program) as well as a nature walk on Longneck Manor property to collect nature objects; program will end with an opportunity for children and their caregivers to feed Longneck Manor’s giraffe ambassadors.

 

Earth Ninja

Wednesday, July 23rd: Join Longneck Manor staff as we read “Earth Ninja: A Children’s Book About Recycling, Reducing, and Reusing”, a book that shows us how one little ninja can make a difference in the world by practicing three simple life habits! Afterwards, we’ll learn how to recycle through a sorting activity. The program culminates with a visit with Longneck Manor’s giraffe ambassadors for an opportunity to feed them some tasty lettuce.

Book: “Earth Ninja: A Children’s Book About Recycling, Reducing, and Reusing” by Mary Nhin
Activity: sorting activity that allows children to learn how to recycle; program will end with an opportunity for children and their caregivers to feed Longneck Manor’s giraffe ambassadors.

School Program: Go Wild!

$200 per visit

Let conservation education come to you! This engaging, on-the-go program brings exciting conservation lessons right to your school, scout troop, or community group. Just pick the topic that most interests you. Led by our expert educators, participants will learn about endangered species, and discover how they can help protect wildlife—all without leaving their location. Perfect for curious minds of all ages!

  • Any age group
  • 45 minutes in length
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Longneck Manor is making a difference in the wild

The goal of Longneck Manor is to provide a fun personal experience while helping to save animals in the wild. We do this by combining the best elements of a good zoo with that of a good conservation organization. So you get to meet some real live conservation ambassadors (both four and two legged species) as well as contribute to a non-profit (tax deductible) conservation fund that works directly with proven conservation heroes.

Longneck Manor is the home to a “Crash” of three rhinos (Fred, Barney and Justin) as well as a “Tower” of four giraffes (Kafele, Betty, Tana and Kili).
Our animal ambassadors help guests connect with animals in the wild and help conservation efforts with our partner organizations.

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