Bringing Guests Eye-to-Eye with Giraffes
At the Greenville Zoo Foundation, we count on the generosity of donors and friends who make extraordinary experiences possible. Thanks to the vision and support of Jim and Janice Cordes, guests at the Greenville Zoo have enjoyed two years of unforgettable, face-to-face encounters with our tallest residents, Miles, Autumn, and Kendi.
The Jim & Janice Cordes Giraffe Encounters opened in 2023, giving visitors the chance to step onto a 9-foot platform and hand-feed our Masai giraffes. With the help of zoo staff, families offer lettuce and crunchy treats as the giraffes stroll up to say hello. For many children, this moment is their first up-close connection with wildlife. It is an experience they will never forget.
Zoo Administrator Bill Cooper described it best when the platform was unveiled: “This allows you to be literally face-to-face with the world’s largest land mammal. Imagine being a four-year-old, looking eye-to-eye with a giraffe!”
Jim and Janice knew from the start that this project would bring joy not only to children but to entire families. As Jim reflected, “It brings kids, parents, and grandparents together. Experiences like this draw people to the Zoo — and to Greenville.”
Their generosity has enriched the Zoo in a way that goes beyond building a platform. It has created laughter, wide-eyed wonder, and an enduring appreciation for wildlife conservation. Since opening, the Giraffe Encounters have become a highlight for many Zoo visitors. Whether it is a child reaching out with a leaf of lettuce or a grandparent snapping photos, these shared moments are made possible by donors like Jim and Janice Cordes.
For the Greenville Zoo Foundation, their gift represents exactly why we do what we do: bringing people closer to animals, sparking curiosity, and inspiring the next generation to care for wildlife. We are deeply grateful to Jim and Janice for making this experience a reality — and for helping the Greenville Zoo continue to grow as a place of discovery and joy.