People don’t usually expect to find giraffes in Texas.
In Fredericksburg, Texas—better known for vineyards and wine tastings—most visitors come for the scenery and a slower pace of life. But just beyond the tasting rooms, there’s something entirely unexpected.
A place where luxury travel meets wildlife conservation.
A place where you don’t just see giraffes—you connect with them.
Welcome to Longneck Manor.
A Different Kind of Giraffe Experience in Fredericksburg, Texas
At Longneck Manor, the giraffes aren’t just part of the landscape—they’re individuals.
Spend even a short amount of time with the herd and you’ll start to notice it. One hangs back, quietly observing. Another walks right up, curious and confident. Some are food-motivated. Others engage more selectively.
That individuality is something the team pays close attention to.
As our Director of Animal Care, Samantha, explains:
“They’re all completely different. You start to learn who prefers space, who seeks interaction, and how each one fits into the group. That’s what guides how we care for them.”
It’s a quieter kind of observation—less about spectacle, more about understanding.
Conservation First: AZA Accreditation, SSP Program & Herd Management
Behind every guest interaction is a carefully managed conservation effort.
Longneck Manor is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, meaning we meet the highest standards in animal care, veterinary oversight, nutrition, enrichment, and habitat design.
Our giraffes are also part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP)—a cooperative program that helps ensure the long-term survival and genetic health of species in human care.
This means every animal at Longneck Manor plays a role in a much larger conservation vision.
Our team follows a strategic herd management plan, carefully considering genetics, temperament, and social dynamics when making decisions about breeding and introductions. It’s a thoughtful, long-term approach designed to support both animal well-being and global conservation goals.
Meet the Giraffe Herd at Longneck Manor
Let’s meet them all, oldest to youngest…
Betty White
The matriarch of the herd, Betty White, is the oldest giraffe in the Longneck Manor herd and has proven to be a great mother. She was born on January 17, 2015 in Florida at the Jacksonville Zoo, and shares the same birthday (different year) as the Hollywood legend, a celebrated wildlife conservation champion. She came to Longneck Manor from the Dallas Zoo along with her daughter, Tana. She is a prolific painter and our most food-motivated animal, always coming over to see if the staff have any snacks. If the other giraffes are not quick enough, Betty is known to steal carrots right out of their mouth. We estimate that Betty is around 14 feet tall.
Kafele
Kafele is a male reticulated giraffe, born on November 17, 2015, in San Diego Safari Park, and is just as dramatic a character as his name suggests. (Kafele means “worth dying for” in Swahili.) Kafele loves to be the center of attention and tends to be the “lettuce hog” at the feeding deck. He is quite the lady’s man however, and loves spending time with the ladies, Betty, Tana, and Kili. He is very gentle with the new babies and younger members of the herd. Words like “regal”, and “majestic” are often uttered by guests while watching him parade into the barn, his tail practically grazing the ground. Kafele is the father to Kili Rose, Indy, Winifred and Archie at Longneck Manor, as well as six other calves before he arrived here.
Tana
Tana came with her mother, Betty, from the Dallas Zoo. Tana was named after the longest river in Kenya and was born on July 29, 2020. She is our bravest giraffe and took to painting with guests quickly. Her mother often utilizes Tana’s bravery to try out new things or new areas. Tana is a spunky and sassy giraffe, and the staff report she is a fast learner and loves to train with them.
Kili Rose
Kili is the second daughter born to Betty and the first baby giraffe born at Longneck Manor. Born on October 8, 2022, her birth took place inside the 10,000-square foot state-of-the-art giraffe barn. It was a family affair, with the other giraffe staying close by to protect Betty during labor, and to welcome their new family member, just as they would in the wild. Kili is headstrong and feisty and very, very smart. Kili’s name is short for Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Kenya. Rick Barongi, the Longneck Manor founder, was summitting Kilimanjaro the morning Kili was born!
Obi
Obi is the newest addition to the herd—and an important one. Born at the El Paso Zoo, Obi is now 3 years old and was brought to Longneck Manor to become the herd’s new breeder bull as part of the SSP program. As he settles in, the team is carefully observing his temperament and gradually introducing him to the herd. His role will be key in supporting the long-term genetic diversity and sustainability of the giraffe population.
Mosi
Mosi came to Longneck Manor in December of 2025. He’s a few months older than Indy, born April 2024 and has already bonded with the whole herd. You can pick Mosi out from the rest by the white spots within his brown spots and his quirky white face. He has quickly become a staff favorite with his calm, relaxed attitude, and his gentle nature around the babies. His favorite spot? Right in front of the Kifaru Villa windows…but not right next to Kafele.
Indy
Indy is a little firecracker (no surprise given his birthdate) and one of our smartest giraffes. He was born July 2, 2024, and is Betty’s third calf. His playful and adventurous spirit keeps him busy, and he’s up for anything. Indy is the second baby born here at Longneck Manor and has been close to big sister Kili from the start. They are typically found together getting into mischief of some sort. He’s very curious and will be the first one to wander over to the fence to see people
Winifred (Wini)
Winifred, also known as Wini, is the one who made Tana a mother and Betty White a grandmother. Born on February 9th, 2026, Wini has been a strong, independent girl from the start. Quick to stand right after birth, she has brought so much spunk to the herd. She is energetic, active, and loves to run circles around the barn. The staff is excited to see Wini’s personality shine through and her upcoming milestones as she grows. When you meet her in person, look for her signature butterfly right on the front of her chest!
Archie
Archie was born on March 8, 2026 to mom Betty white and stood at 6 feet 4 inches. Quite the opposite from Wini, Archie loves his daily naps and can be seen hanging out underneath mom. At his young age, Archie is still getting comfortable on his feet and exploring the 10,000 square-foot barn. He’s curious about the other giraffes, and Wini and Archie are becoming fast friends.
What It Takes to Care for Giraffes in Texas
Caring for giraffes in Texas requires more than just space—it requires intention.
Longneck Manor operates with a high animal-to-staff ratio, allowing for close monitoring of each giraffe’s health, behavior, and social interactions.
Every detail—from nutrition to enrichment to habitat design—is carefully managed to ensure the highest level of care.
And when new giraffes arrive, the process is never rushed.
Introducing New Giraffes: A Thoughtful Process
Each giraffe has its own personality, history, and social tendencies.
Introducing a new member isn’t just about proximity—it’s about compatibility.
The team takes a gradual approach, allowing controlled interactions and letting the herd establish relationships naturally.
Why Guests Never Forget This Animal Experience
Most of this work happens behind the scenes.
What guests remember is something else entirely:
- The calm
- The proximity
- The moment a giraffe lowers its head within reach
It’s why so many describe Longneck Manor as something more than a place to visit.
It feels personal. Unhurried. Intentional.
A Unique Thing to Do in Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg may always be known for its wine.
But just beyond the vineyards, there’s something different taking shape.
A place where wildlife, luxury, and conservation come together in a way that feels both rare and meaningful.
A place where seeing giraffes in Texas doesn’t feel unusual once you’re here.
It just feels unforgettable.
Learn more by following us on
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Youtube
LinkedIn