Short answer — no. But we take good care of them.
At Longneck Manor in Fredericksburg, Texas, we are committed to providing exceptional care for our beloved animals, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. While the Texas Hill Country is known for its warm, sunny days, we occasionally experience freezing temperatures in the winter like we did this February. When the thermometer dips, our team goes above and beyond to ensure that our animals stay warm, comfortable, and safe. ❄️🦒🦏
So, how do we keep our tall, spotted friends and gentle giants cozy during a cold snap? And what does this mean for our guests? Let’s take a look!
How We Protect Our Animals in Cold Weather
1️⃣ Warm & Cozy Shelters 🏡✨
Even though giraffes and rhinos are built for warmer climates, they can tolerate moderate cooler temperatures—as long as they have proper shelter. Our animals have access to our state-of-the-art heated barn designed to keep them warm when the weather gets too chilly. If it “feels like” 40 degrees or below, the animals will prefer to be in the heated barn.
2️⃣ Nutrition for Extreme Temps 🥕🥬
Do our animals need a change in diet during cold weather? Surprisingly, the giraffe diet stays the same. They like their free-feeding alfalfa no matter the temperature. The big thing for them when it’s cold, is being in the heated barn. Since we determine their ability to be outside the barn on the “feels like” temperature, we pay more attention to wind chill than the actual temperature. If the sun is out on chillier days, they may go out of the barn since they’ll absorb heat from the sun.
As for our rhinos, they do get an increase in hay since they tend to be more active when it’s a bit cooler. (Summer is less hay; winter is more hay.) We have recommended weights from the vets on what we should feed, but we can alter the amounts depending on their day-to-day needs.
🔹 Rhinos receive additional feed to maintain body condition
🔹 Warm water is always available to prevent dehydration
3️⃣ Watching Closely, Caring Constantly 👀🩺
Our dedicated animal care team monitors each animal closely during cold weather to ensure they are comfortable and healthy. If an animal prefers to stay inside on an especially chilly day, we respect their choice and adjust our routines accordingly.
✔️ Daily wellness checks to ensure they’re handling the cold well
✔️ Veterinary support on standby for any weather-related concerns
✔️ Flexible routines based on individual animal needs
What This Means for Our Guests 🌿❄️
While we take every precaution to keep our animals safe and comfortable, winter weather can sometimes affect the guest experience at Longneck Manor. Here’s what you should know if you’re planning a visit during a cold snap:
🌡️ Animals May Be Indoors – If temperatures drop too low, you may find some of our animals inside their barn rather than out in their usual spaces. Don’t worry—our indoor areas still allow for up-close encounters!
📅 Adjustments to Tours – We prioritize animal comfort, so sometimes tour or feeding experience will need to move inside where EVERYONE will be more comfortable.
🧥 Dress for the Weather! – If you’re visiting on a chilly day, we recommend dressing in warm layers to ensure you stay comfortable while exploring the grounds.
Guest Experience is a Priority for our Hospitality team. No matter what the weather is like during your visit, our hospitality team is dedicated to making your stay the most memorable vacation possible. Every guest receives up-close interactions with our amazing animals, luxurious accommodations and exceptional service.
Support Our Winter Animal Care Efforts 💙❄️
Caring for giraffes, rhinos, and other wildlife during winter comes with unique challenges—from providing large shelters to ensuring specialized nutrition and veterinary care. As a small conservation destination, we rely on support from our visitors and donors to continue providing the best care possible.
🌟 How You Can Help:
✔️ Make a donation to support our conservation efforts
✔️ Visit us! Every stay or tour helps fund our conservation mission
Every contribution, big or small, helps us ensure that our animals stay safe, warm, and thriving all winter long. Click below to donate and make a difference today!
The Heart of Our Mission: Animal Welfare First
At Longneck Manor, we believe in putting the well-being of our animals first—even if it means making small adjustments to the guest experience. Our goal is to ensure that every giraffe, rhino, and resident animal thrives year-round, regardless of the weather.
We appreciate your understanding and support of conservation-focused ecotourism. When you visit Longneck Manor, you’re not just meeting incredible animals—you’re helping us provide the highest level of care while supporting global conservation efforts.
Would you like to experience Longneck Manor? Book your visit today and see firsthand how we care for our animals in every season!
#WildlifeConservation #AnimalCare #GiraffesInWinter #SustainableTourism #LongneckManor #SupportWildlife #ecotourism
