Bringing eco-travel to thousands
June marks a special milestone at Longneck Manor: five years since we welcomed our very first guests here in Fredericksburg, Texas. What began as an ambitious vision to combine luxury hospitality, exceptional animal care, and meaningful wildlife conservation has grown into one of the most unique destinations in Texas.
Over the past five years, thousands of guests have traveled to the Texas Hill Country to experience luxury accommodations, unforgettable animal interactions, and a deeper connection to wildlife. Along the way, Longneck Manor has evolved from a dream into a recognized conservation destination—one that proves luxury travel and conservation impact can work hand in hand.
A Luxury Hotel Experience Unlike Anywhere Else in Texas
From the beginning, Longneck Manor was designed to offer something different. Guests enjoy accommodations that rival a luxury hotel while remaining immersed in a peaceful wildlife setting.
The opening of the Giraffe Suite and later the luxury villas elevated the guest experience even further, providing privacy, bespoke design, stunning views, and impeccable hospitality. Whether guests are celebrating a milestone birthday, anniversary, proposal, family vacation, or solo retreat, Longneck Manor offers an experience that feels both exclusive and meaningful.
Our partnership with hospitality leader SSA Group has helped establish a culture of service where every guest is treated with warmth, professionalism, and genuine care.
Up-Close Giraffe and Rhino Interactions That Inspire Conservation
While luxury accommodations bring guests through the gate, it is often the animals that leave the most lasting impression.
Over the past five years, Longneck Manor has become known for its immersive giraffe encounters and rhino interactions. Guests have the opportunity to spend quality time with these incredible animals, creating memories that simply cannot be replicated in a traditional travel experience.
Our growing giraffe herd has welcomed multiple calves during this period, including several births that occurred right here at Longneck Manor. These young giraffes have become powerful ambassadors for their species, helping guests develop a personal connection to wildlife conservation.
Our crash of southern white rhinos has been equally impactful. For many visitors, standing beside a rhino for the first time creates a newfound appreciation for one of the world’s most threatened species and the conservation efforts working to protect them.
Wildlife Conservation Is at the Heart of Longneck Manor
Every aspect of the Longneck Manor experience supports a larger mission.
Since opening, Longneck Manor and the Longneck Manor Conservation Foundation have contributed more than $500,000 to organizations directly impacting wildlife conservation around the world. These investments have supported field research, habitat protection, species conservation initiatives, veterinary care, education, and community-based conservation programs in Africa, Brazil, and beyond.
Our goal has always been simple: inspire people to care deeply enough about wildlife that they choose to become part of the solution.
When guests leave Longneck Manor with a greater appreciation for giraffes, rhinos, sloths, and other vulnerable species, conservation wins.
AZA Accreditation and Exceptional Animal Well-Being
Animal well-being has been a guiding principle since day one.
In 2024, Longneck Manor achieved accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a distinction that reflects the highest standards in animal care, veterinary medicine, conservation, education, and facility operations. Achieving accreditation so early in our history was a testament to the dedication of our entire team.
Our animal care professionals work closely with the experienced veterinarians of Exotic Wildlife Veterinary Services to provide proactive healthcare, including routine exams, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, reproductive management, neonatal care, and preventive medicine.
Combined with our unusually low animal-to-caregiver ratio, this commitment ensures that every animal receives individualized attention and exceptional care.
A Visit from a Conservation Icon
One of the most meaningful moments in Longneck Manor’s first five years came in September 2025, when renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall visited for three unforgettable days. Jane and Longneck Manor founder Rick Barongi shared a friendship spanning more than 30 years, dating back to their work together during Rick’s time at Disney and the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
During her visit, Dr. Goodall spent time with the staff, met the giraffes and rhinos, spoke to a small group of supporters, and helped raise more than $100,000 for Dr. Jane’s Dream and the Jane Goodall Institute. Her visit was especially meaningful as it took place just two weeks before her passing, making it a treasured final chapter in a lifelong commitment to conservation and a friendship that helped inspire the mission of Longneck Manor.
The Beginning of Phase Three: A Bigger Vision for Conservation
While this anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come, it also marks the beginning of Longneck Manor’s next chapter.
Phase Three will focus on expanding our conservation impact through the development of a dedicated Rhino Conservation Center and an immersive Okapi Forest Habitat. These projects will allow us to further our mission of education, species conservation, and meaningful guest engagement while continuing to provide world-class care for the animals entrusted to us.
As we look toward the future, our commitment remains unchanged: combining luxury hospitality, extraordinary animal encounters, and measurable conservation impact.
Thank You for Being Part of the Longneck Manor Journey
Five years ago, Longneck Manor welcomed its first guests. Since then, visitors, donors, conservation partners, staff members, volunteers, and supporters have helped transform an idea into something truly special.
Together, we have built a destination where luxury travel meets wildlife conservation, where guests can wake up beside giraffes, meet rhinos face-to-face, and leave inspired to make a difference.
And we’re just getting started.
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