Fredericksburg is known for its charming Main Street, historic vineyards, and a plethora of outdoor adventures. However, there’s much more to discover in our Texas Hill Country town on your next getaway with loved ones.
The Elephant Preserve is one of the most special experiences you can have here in Fredericksburg, and in this article, we’ll tell you all there is to know about this bucket list location.
Want to enjoy your trip to Fredericksburg as much as possible? Be close to all the attractions by staying at a luxury vacation rental from Cozi Vacation Rentals.
Now, let’s dive right into how you can elephants during your trip to Fredericksburg, Texas.
What Is The Preserve?
Found on Doublehorn Road, The Preserve was created to expand elephant conservation, knowledge, and education. The preserve has grown since it first opened and now also offers a newer animal expedition featuring exotic Australian and African species. This space gives visitors a meaningful and intimate hands-on experience with some of the most majestic creatures in the world.
The Preserve has an important mission — the goal is to preserve the animals by building awareness through education and first-hand experiences. The team is committed to making sure these incredible creatures thrive so that the next generation can enjoy them just as much as we do.
To keep up to date on developments and programs at The Preserve, become a subscriber of their monthly newsletter via the form at the bottom of this page.
Let’s explore the two experiences on offer.
The Preserve Elephant Experience
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The elephants that live here serve as educators and ambassadors, bringing awareness to the struggles they face across the globe. Elephants are constantly under threat from poachers and climate change, and these beautiful creatures from Thailand and other areas of Asia are too often abused as circus performers where the cruel use of bullhooks is still common.
There are currently three Asian elephants who live at the Hill Country Elephant Preserve: Rosie, Kitty, and Becky. After careful selection, these three came from animal parks, private facilities, and zoos.
When you book your once-in-a-lifetime visit to the elephant sanctuary, you get an interactive 1.5-hour up-close visit with the beautiful animals which includes the following:
- Meet the gentle giants
- Help bath an elephant while learning about grooming and foot care
- Learn about Asian elephant care and conservation
- Take selfies with elephants
The Animal Expedition
The Animal Expedition is a newer part of the park and takes visitors on a journey to two of the most diverse places on Earth — Australia and the continent of Africa. The animals in this experience were carefully selected to tell the story of their species and to aid the conservation efforts taking care of these creatures.
As you walk through the immersive Australian Walkabout you’ll enjoy time with each species you encounter while learning fascinating facts about them. Here’s what you’ll get to experience when you book a spot on the Animal Expedition:
- Meet kangaroos, wallabies, and Australian birds
- Hand feed giraffes
- Learn about the conservation of the animals you meet
- Take selfies with your favorite creatures
What to Know Before You Go
- Website: https://www.visitthepreserve.com/
- Address: 650 Doublehorn Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
- Phone: 830-992-0373
- Opening hours: 11 am – 3.30 pm Friday to Sunday
- Price: $125 per person for the Elephant Experience, $95 per person for the Animal Expedition, free for participants under three years old
It’s advised to book your spot at this popular interactive experience well in advance as places often sell out. Despite Texas’ unpredictable weather, the experiences occur rain or shine, so be sure to check the forecast before you arrive. Don’t forget to fully charge your camera or phone as there are several photo opportunities to take advantage of during your visit.
Find the Best Hidden Gems on Your Texas Escape
One of the best parts of any vacation is exploring all that makes a destination unique, and sometimes that means stumbling upon hidden gems like the Fredericksburg elephants. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, make sure to include a visit to The Preserve in your itinerary.
For more family-friendly fun, don’t miss out on these other kid-approved activities in Fredericksburg.
You’ll Love Your Trip to Fredericksburg
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Fredericksburg is located conveniently close to Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, and our quaint German heritage town is the perfect place for a few days of relaxation and/or adventure. With so much to do and see, including our gentle giants, you need a cozy yet luxurious place to call home.
When you book your stay with Cozi Vacation Rentals, that’s exactly what you get. Our extensive inventory includes every style of rental, from cabins to casitas, condos to homes. Make your stay even more relaxing by reserving one of our homes with a pool, or choose a pet-friendly place so the entire family can come along.