If there is one animal at Marwell Zoo that stops families in their tracks, it is the giraffe. Standing up to 5.7 metres tall, Marwell’s herd of Rothschild’s giraffes are the tallest, most photogenic, and honestly most jaw-dropping residents of this stunning 140-acre Hampshire wildlife park.
TL;DR: Marwell Zoo is home to a small herd of Near Threatened Rothschild’s giraffes. You can see them for free with general admission, or book a dedicated 30-minute giraffe feeding experience (£100 per person, April to October, ages 8+) to get right up close and hand-feed them alongside expert keepers.
Whether you are planning a full family day out or specifically chasing that iconic giraffe-feeding photo, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Marwell Zoo giraffe experience in 2026.
Meet the Marwell Giraffe Herd
Marwell Zoo has had giraffes on site since 1971, making them one of the zoo’s longest-standing and most beloved residents. The current herd is made up of Rothschild’s giraffes, one of the most endangered subspecies of giraffe, and every animal has its own personality that regular visitors quickly come to recognise.
The Herd Members
| Name | Role | Born |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby | Female | 2012 (born at Marwell) |
| Makeda | Female | Born at Marwell |
| Christa | Female | Born at Marwell |
| Mburo | Male | Arrived September 2022 |
Mburo is easy to spot if you know what to look for. He has a distinctive love heart marking on his left cheek, which keepers say makes him one of the most recognisable giraffes in the UK. He arrived at Marwell in September 2022 as the first male giraffe at the zoo in five years, and has settled in brilliantly with the three females.
The 2024 Miracle Calf
In August 2024, Marwell Zoo made national headlines when Ruby gave birth to a male calf, despite being on contraception. Keepers called him a “little miracle baby” and the story was picked up by The Independent and media across the UK. It was the first giraffe calf born at Marwell since 2012, the very year Ruby herself was born.
The birth was not without drama. The calf picked up an infection shortly after birth and Ruby, as a first-time mum, initially struggled with feeding. The zoo’s hoofstock and veterinary teams worked around the clock to support the pair, and both came through in excellent health. As zoo vet Elyse Summerfield-Smith put it: “Each day he’s becoming more inquisitive, more confident and is providing a lot of joy for the keepers.”
That calf is now part of the herd and is another brilliant reason to visit in 2026.
About Rothschild’s Giraffes: Why They Matter
Rothschild’s giraffes (also known as Nubian giraffes) are classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, making Marwell’s conservation work genuinely important, not just impressive.
Here are a few facts that give the exhibit real context:
- Rothschild’s giraffes are one of the tallest subspecies, reaching up to 5.7 metres when fully grown
- They are distinguished by their cream-coloured legs, which appear almost unmarked compared to other subspecies
- Wild populations are concentrated in Uganda and Kenya, where habitat loss and poaching have reduced numbers significantly
- Marwell Wildlife, the charity that owns and operates the zoo, actively supports in-situ conservation programmes across Africa
What this means for your visit: every ticket you buy directly supports the ongoing work to protect this species in the wild. It is not just a day out, it is a small but meaningful contribution to giraffe conservation.
Giraffes have called Marwell home since 1971, just before the zoo opened to the public. That is over 50 years of expertise in caring for this species, and it shows in how settled and healthy the current herd looks.
The Marwell Zoo Giraffe Feeding Experience
Watching the giraffes from the public viewing area is brilliant. Actually feeding them is on another level entirely.
Marwell offers a dedicated giraffe feeding experience that takes you behind the scenes and puts you right alongside the herd with an expert keeper. This is one of the most popular animal experiences in Hampshire, and it is not hard to see why.
What’s Included
- 30-minute giraffe feeding experience with a dedicated keeper
- Day entry to the zoo on the day of your experience
- 10% discount in the gift shop
- E-certificate and e-gift card
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price | £100 per person |
| Availability | April to October (daily) |
| Minimum age | 8 years |
| Group size | Maximum 4 people |
| Booking | Must be pre-booked online or by phone |
What Actually Happens
You will be welcomed by a host and guided to the giraffe house, where an expert keeper will share everything they know about the herd. You can feed the giraffes in two ways: either pinching a small amount of food and holding it over the top, or offering it flat-palmed like you would with a horse. The giraffes’ tongues are famously long and remarkably strong, so be ready for that!
Bear with us here! The keepers recommend grabbing a bucket rather than holding the food in your hands the whole time. It is a practical tip that makes the whole experience much more relaxed and enjoyable.
Groups of fewer than four may share their slot with other guests. If you want a fully private experience, contact the Guest Experience team at animalencounters@marwell.org.uk to arrange a larger private booking.
Accessibility and Health Notes
Marwell makes every effort to accommodate guests with different needs, but the nature of the experience means it cannot always be fully adapted. If you have any concerns, call 01962 777988 before booking. Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals are unfortunately unable to participate.
Good to know: Experience vouchers are valid for two years from purchase, making them a brilliant gift idea for birthdays or Christmas. They are non-refundable and non-transferable once purchased.
Seeing the Giraffes with General Admission
Not ready to commit to the feeding experience? No problem at all! The giraffe house and outdoor paddock are included in standard zoo admission, and the viewing area is genuinely excellent.
Tips for the Best Free Giraffe Viewing
- Arrive early or stay late. The giraffes tend to be most active in the morning and in the cooler hours of the afternoon.
- Check the Marwell Zoo app. It lists animal feeding times across the zoo, which can help you time your visit to the giraffe area perfectly.
- Visit on a weekday if possible. The giraffe house can get busy at weekends, especially during school holidays.
- Look out for the herd dynamics. Mburo (the male, with the love heart on his cheek) is notably more confident than the females, so he is often the one closest to the viewing area.
The giraffe house itself is a proper indoor viewing space, which means you can enjoy the experience whatever the weather. The outdoor paddock is also accessible on warmer days, giving you a chance to see the full herd stretching their legs in the open air.
It’s a popular destination for a reason! The giraffe exhibit consistently ranks as one of the most visited spots at Marwell, and on a clear day, watching a 5.7-metre animal stroll across the Hampshire countryside is genuinely spectacular.
Planning Your Visit to Marwell Zoo in 2026
Marwell Zoo is set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, near Winchester, and it is well worth making a full day of it. The zoo covers 140 acres, so there is plenty to see beyond the giraffes!
Getting There
- By car: Marwell Zoo is located at Thompson Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH. There is free on-site parking.
- By public transport: The nearest train station is Winchester, from where you can take a taxi or arranged bus service to the zoo.
What Else Is On at Marwell?
The giraffes are the star attraction, but Marwell is home to over 140 species including white rhinos, Amur tigers, Humboldt penguins, red pandas, snow leopards, and all three species of zebra. There are also five adventure playgrounds, seasonal events, and the brilliant “Entry to Extinction” exhibit, which is included with general admission.
In 2026, the zoo has also launched a new Native Species Zone, which is well worth exploring alongside the main animal exhibits.
Save Money with the DOWTK VIP Pass
If you are planning a visit before 30 June 2026, you can take advantage of a brilliant Marwell Zoo discount through Day Out With The Kids. With the VIP Pass, kids go completely free when an adult pays full price, saving families of four up to £44.96 per visit. That is a serious saving, especially if you are planning to add a giraffe feeding experience on top!
Quick tip: The giraffe feeding experience must be booked separately through Marwell Zoo directly. You can call 01962 777988 or visit the Marwell website to check availability and book your slot.
Our Verdict on the Marwell Zoo Giraffe Experience
Whether you are watching from the public viewing area or booking the full feeding experience, the Marwell Zoo giraffes are one of the best family wildlife encounters in southern England.
The herd has a genuine story behind it. Ruby’s 2024 miracle calf, Mburo’s love heart marking, the decades of conservation expertise at Marwell Wildlife, it all adds up to something that feels special rather than routine.
- For families on a budget: the free viewing area is brilliant and well worth the trip on its own.
- For a special occasion: the £100 feeding experience is genuinely unforgettable and the vouchers make a perfect gift.
- For wildlife-curious kids: the keeper commentary is educational, enthusiastic, and pitched perfectly for younger visitors.
Think you can just pop in for the giraffes and leave? Think again! Once you are inside Marwell’s 140 acres, you will want to stay all day. Plan accordingly!