No, Cher, You Don't Need a Passport for This Safari
Forget the zoo glass. At Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, you sit on a bumpy open-air wagon, a 16-foot giraffe sticks his 20-inch purple tongue into your cup and slobbers all over you — and you will laugh like a kid.
Global Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization spanning 900 acres, allowing endangered and exotic species to cohabit and roam freely. All of the animals are herbivores.
Over 4,000 exotic, endangered, and threatened animals roam freely — it's a safari adventure right here in the USA. Imagine your kids' excitement as they lock eyes with towering giraffes, giggle at playful zebras, and feel the soft fur of a friendly bison.
It's been a popular attraction for families of all ages since it opened nearly 30 years ago, founded by Ken Matherne, now owned and operated by his daughter Maci Matherne, who stepped into the role after Ken's passing in 2021. Since taking the reins, Maci has brought a fresh perspective to the organization, guided by a people-first, animals-first philosophy.
🛒 Pack it right: Nana's Safari Trip Essentials Kit on Amazon [HERE] has the bucket hat, wet wipes, and battery pack below in one place.
History & Why It's Unique
This isn't a zoo. It's a preserve. Animals are free-roaming on 900 acres of rolling Louisiana hills, ponds, and pines — you ride through their home.
Located at 26389 Hwy 40, Folsom, LA 70437 — about an hour north of downtown New Orleans, only 30–40 minutes from Mandeville, and about an hour from Baton Rouge.
The animals: Reticulated giraffes, Grant's zebras, Watusi cattle with 6-foot horns, American bison, camels, llamas, alpacas, kangaroos, emus, capybaras, many deer species (axis, fallow, sika), plus parrots, turtles, and koi.
Why it's unique:
You feed from your hands. Wagons stop 3–4 times to let the animals approach and be fed.
Giraffes. A tower of gentle giants — 15–18 ft tall, hearts weighing 25 lbs, babies born 150 lbs and 6 ft tall. If giraffe interactions are your priority, the Private Pinz tour is worth it.
Conservation. Your visit helps fund crucial initiatives — the center supports nonprofits preserving habitats and biodiversity.
It's a nonprofit, not a theme park.
Tours & Costs 2026 — Wagon vs. Pinz
Open 7 days a week with daily tours, though pre-booking is required.
1. Safari Wagon Tour — Most Popular
75 minutes, 900 acres, a slow loop with 3–4 feed stops. Covered but open-sided, with bench seating.
Ticket prices: $24 adults (12–62), $18 children (2–11), $21 seniors (63+), free for infants 1 and under, $22 military (ID required). Some sources list slightly lower 2024–25 pricing — expect $24–25 currently.
Groups of 25+ may qualify for a discounted rate if booked in advance: (985) 796-3585. Wagons are ADA handicap accessible, with an ASL interpreter available with 7-day notice.
Tour departure is always scheduled about 30 minutes after your listed check-in time, to allow time for check-in, seating, and feed distribution.
2. Private Pinz Tour — The Upgrade
A 4x4 Pinzgauer Swiss military vehicle, seating 8, that goes off the main path — through trees, across the lake, into the far reaches wherever the giraffes are.
Private Pinz Tours are a popular upgrade from the wagon, since they can reach more of the preserve. Cost is $49.95 per person, with a normal minimum of 4 people.
New: Semi-Private Pinz Tours — ideal for singles, couples, and trios, with no minimum and a max of 6 per Pinz. Same $49.95 rate, no minimum required. Check-in is 8:15 AM weekends, 9:30 AM weekdays for this option.
If the $49.95 per person private tour feels pricey for your group size, ask about joining a semi-private tour instead.
3. Feed — Not Included
Animal feed isn't included in your admission ticket. Add it online or at check-in — a family bucket runs $30–35, or a souvenir cup is $5. Buckets go fast with kids in the mix. Tip: one cup per person plus one bucket per family is the sweet spot.
There's also a Safari Souvenir canvas option ($20) — animals paint your canvas with food-dye-covered noses and tongues.
Roadtrip From Pearl River, LA — Estimated Costs
Distance: 52 miles, 1 hour 5 minutes via I-59 N to LA-40 W — an easy, scenic drive through Bush and Folsom.
For 2 adults, wagon tour half-day:
Gas: 105 mi RT / 25 mpg = 4.2 gal x $3.20 = $14
Tickets: 2 x $24 = $48
Feed: 2 cups ($10) + 1 family bucket ($30) = $40
Snacks/gift shop water: $10
Total: $112 for 2
With Private Pinz: 2 x $49.95 = $100, plus feed = $164 for 2 — worth it if giraffe interaction is your priority.
Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids): Wagon: $24 + $24 + $18 + $18 = $84, plus feed ($40) and gas ($14) = $138
Safety Tips — Nana's Safari Rules
Giraffes and zebras can nibble. Don't put fingers in their mouths — pour or hold your cup out instead of holding pellets in your palm if the guide advises against it. The animals aren't starving; they're conditioned to approach the wagons.
The heat will get you. Open wagons have a good sunroof but still get hot over the 75-minute tour, and there's little shade in the preserve. Bring your water bottle. In summer, book the 8:15 or 9:30 AM semi-private slot for cooler temps.
Zebras can be off-limits for feeding. They've been known to get a little aggressive around food — listen to your guide on which animals you can hand-feed.
Feed-throwing etiquette: don't throw food down to small deer if you want a photo, they'll scatter. Tossing feed from the back of a Pinz as your guide pulls away is a fun trick many deer will chase — just ask your guide first.
No firearms, no alcohol. Strictly prohibited across all buildings, grounds, and tours.
Giraffes aren't guaranteed, and there's a cold rule. Since animals free-roam, giraffes choose whether to approach. If it's below 50°F or weather is adverse, giraffes are required to stay in a heated barn for protection — skip the visit if giraffes are your goal and it's under 50°F.
Don't miss check-in. Arriving a few minutes past check-in won't cost you the tour, as long as it's not sold out — check-in exists to allow time before boarding. But if you arrive at departure time, you'll need to buy the next available tour. Arrive 30 minutes early to be safe.
Packing List
Closed-toe shoes, but not mud boots — wagons stay clean, though the preserve itself is dusty
Water bottle + sunscreen + hat + sunglasses — it's an open wagon
Bug spray — woods edge near the ponds
Small bills and a card for feed — purchased online or at check-in; bring both since payment options vary
Phone + battery pack — you'll take 200 photos of giraffe tongues
Bucket hat or safari hat — kids love it for photos
Small backpack — holds feed cups
Wet wipes — giraffe slobber is real
Light rain jacket — pop-up storms happen
Car seat for infants?
You can bring either a double stroller or car seats onto the wagon tour — there's plenty of space.
Where to Eat — Folsom & Covington After
At Global Wildlife: A small snack shop with water ($2) and limited snacks. Eat before or after your visit.
Folsom (5 minutes):
Giddy Up Folsom — 82135 LA-25. Burgers, po'boys, a family spot. [Google Map HERE]
Covington (20 minutes):
Del Porto — 135 E Boston St. Italian, great for family dinner. [Google Map HERE]
Mama D's — 129 E Boston St. Pizza, po'boys. [Google Map HERE]
Abita Brew Pub — 72011 Holly St, Abita Springs (10 minutes extra) — great beer and crawfish bread. [Google Map HERE]
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I definitely get to feed the giraffes?
There's no guarantee, since the animals free-roam — giraffes love to interact and approach plenty of wagon tours, but it can't be promised. If giraffe interaction is your priority, the Private Pinz tour is the better bet.
What's the difference between the wagon and Private Pinz?
The wagon stays on traditional pathways, carries 20+ people, moves slower, and stops 3–4 times. Private Pinz tours can navigate more of the preserve, aren't limited to set paths, and can drive through trees or across the lake to reach wherever the giraffes are — a more intimate experience at your own pace.
How much feed should I buy?
One $5 souvenir cup per person is usually enough for a careful adult. A $30–35 family bucket is fun for kids but goes fast.
The animals aren't starving — they're fed throughout the day by tours.
Are the wagons handicap accessible?
Yes — Safari Wagon Tours are ADA accessible.
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, for the waiting area. On the wagon itself, you can bring a double stroller or car seats — space is limited, so call ahead if you have a large stroller.
What's the best time of day or year to visit?
Mornings (8:15 AM weekends, 9:30 AM weekdays for semi-private) are cooler with more active animals and smaller crowds. Spring and fall bring new growth that giraffes browse more actively. In summer, go early. Remember: below 50°F, giraffes stay in the barn.
Is it good for toddlers?
Yes — free for infants under 12 months, and a great experience for young kids. Sharing a large family feed bucket tends to be the best value for families.
More Louisiana Road Trips
Kliebert's Gator Farm: Hold an Alligator in Ponchatoula
Avery Island Road Trip: TABASCO, Gators, and a 900-Year-Old Buddha
Melrose Plantation Road Trip: Cane River's Most Unique Louisiana History
From Nana's Kitchen — and the Road
There's a look on a kid's face the first time a giraffe leans down into a wagon — pure, unfiltered wonder, and
Pawpaw gets it too, every single time.
Ninety minutes north of the city, and you'd swear you'd left the country.
Tell Nana: Wagon or Pinz — which one's calling your name?
Add comment
Comments