Browse Donation Program

Browse Donation program

At Longneck Manor our tower of giraffes eat hundreds of pounds of “browse” (tender shoots, twigs, and green leaves of trees and shrubs) every single month as part of their recommended diet. Zoo staff also use browse as a way of adding enrichment and for use in daily training.

How can you help? We’re always looking for fresh, healthy donations of recently trimmed or felled trees from our local community.

A list of accepted trees and FAQs are provided below. Please let us know if you’d like to coordinate a donation. Our tower of giraffe, as well as our staff, greatly appreciate your donation!

Our Giraffes Enjoy:

Cedar Elm
Mulberry
Hackberry

.Bradford Pear
Willow
Pecan

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of tree do I have?

There are many resources online to help identify trees. Please read through the Texas A&M Forest Service or Arbor Day guides for help.

What size of branches will you take?

Our animals like whole branches usually five to ten feet in length. We feed our animals by giving them the whole branch and letting them tear off leaves and smaller branches for consumption.

How many trimmed branches will you take?

Sometimes even three or four big branches from a tree will make a great meal. We’re happy to take even a few decent sized branches. If in doubt, please send us an e-mail.

Will you trim my tree and take the branches?

Unfortunately, no. We are not licensed tree trimmers and cannot take on the liability for harming your tree or damaging your property.

I use pesticides (organic or chemical) – will you be able to feed out my tree?

Unfortunately, no. We are not licensed tree trimmers and cannot take on the liability for harming your tree or damaging your property.

I cut my tree last week and then saw you were looking for branches…it’s available, but dry. Do you want it?

We are looking for fresh branches with green leaves still on.

Do you accept browse during the winter months?

Yes. We collect browse all year round, rain or shine! Our giraffes still enjoy eating tree limbs and bark when the leaves have fallen off for the winter, however the branches must still be fresh cut and the species clearly identified!

Will you take the whole tree/everything I trim?

We only use branches with leafy greens and do not have a use for tree trunks or large sections of limb. If you are cutting a whole tree, we are happy to take as many branches with leaves as possible, but we may not always be able to take everything you trim.

Where can I drop off my branches?

We ask that you please contact us before bringing a delivery. We appreciate your donation and want to make sure we have staff available to receive and unload it. We can also pick up on a limited basis so please contact us for arrangements.

I was told you could not use my tree donation, why?

The most common reason we cannot accept your donation is because the species of browse you have may be toxic to our animals. Sometimes we cannot accommodate all of the donations available. Even if we cannot take your donation, we sincerely appreciate you thinking of us and encourage you to contact us again in the future about available branches.

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.

Browse Donation Program

Browse Donation Program