What is Browse?

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Browse refers to the fresh branches, leaves, twigs, and bark harvested from specific trees and shrubs to feed exotic animals, including giraffes, camels, elephants, rhinos, primates, tortoises, and other herbivores. In the wild, these animals naturally forage on a wide variety of plants every day. In captivity, browse helps replicate this natural diet, providing both nutrition and enrichment that standard hay, pellets, or produce cannot fully replace.

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For zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, and veterinarians, browse is a vital part of animal health management. It supplies natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while also promoting natural feeding behaviors like stripping bark, plucking leaves, and chewing woody stems. These behaviors are essential for dental health, digestive function, and mental stimulation, helping reduce stress and prevent unwanted behaviors such as pacing or aggression.

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Not all plants are safe or suitable for every species, which is why high-quality, chemical free browse is so important. Our farm-grown browse is pesticide-free and fertilizer-free, ensuring it is safe for sensitive animals. Popular options include acacia, a favorite of giraffes and camels; tamarind, which offers leaves and pods enjoyed by monkeys and lemurs; mulberry, loved by a variety of species from primates to camels; Hong Kong orchid, preferred by primates for both leaves and bark; and many varieties of ficus (some with very large leaves), ideal for rhinos and other large browsers.

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Browse must also be harvested and handled with care to maintain freshness and nutritional integrity. Freshly cut branches are wrapped, kept hydrated, and shipped quickly to zoos, ranches, and wildlife facilities nationwide. When properly stored — just like flowers in a cooler — browse stays fresh longer, allowing animal care teams to integrate it seamlessly into feeding routines.

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In short, browse is more than just food. It is an essential tool for exotic and wild animal care, supporting optimal nutrition, behavioral enrichment, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a zoo commissary manager, a wildlife veterinarian, or a sanctuary caregiver, providing the right browse helps ensure that animals receive the natural variety they need to thrive in a captive environment.