From Our Farm to Your Zoo - The Journey of Fresh, Nutrient-Rich Browse
- Melody McDonald
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
A Farm With Deep Roots
Our partner farm has been cultivating browse since the 1980s, serving zoos and wildlife facilities across Florida and beyond. The farm follows a strict no-pesticide and no-fertilizer policy, ensuring every plant is completely natural and chemical-free.
Over the years, this farm has become a trusted source for fresh, safe, and nutrient-rich browse grown specifically for exotic animals. Each tree is carefully nurtured, pruned, and maintained with one goal in mind: to provide animals with the most natural foods possible — foods that help them thrive physically and emotionally.
The Farm Experience
Visiting the farm is an experience in itself. There’s a peaceful energy throughout the property. Workers move calmly and intentionally as they harvest, while the owner, now elderly, strolls through the trees several times a day. Though most of the daily work is managed by his team, he remains deeply connected to the land. There’s something magical about knowing that every plant grown here will go to support animals across the country.
Harvesting The Most Tender Growth
When it comes to browse, animals prefer young, tender leaves — and that’s exactly what this farm provides. Harvesting is done selectively to ensure only the softest, most palatable parts of each plant are gathered. These tender shoots and leaves are easier for animals to digest and closely resemble what they would seek out naturally in the wild.
Some plant species are especially treasured by certain animals:
Acacia – Particularly adored by giraffes and camels, acacia offers soft, nutrient-rich leaves and branches that closely mimic their natural forage.
Tamarind – Both the leaves and pods are a favorite of monkeys and lemurs, offering a balance of nutrition and enrichment.
Mulberry – A versatile option enjoyed by giraffes, camels, and primates alike.
Hong Kong Orchid – Loved by primates for its leaves and bark. Peeling bark provides an important enrichment activity that mimics natural foraging behaviors.
Bischofia Javanica – A ficus variety in the rubber tree family with large, sturdy leaves favored by rhinos and other large animals.
All plants are harvested immediately before packaging to maintain peak freshness and ensure animals receive the highest nutritional quality possible.
Careful Packaging for Peak Freshness
Once harvested, the stems are wrapped right away to keep them as hydrated as possible during transit. The cut ends are covered in non-toxic, non-bleached brown paper towels, then secured inside a plastic bag to lock in moisture and prevent wilting.
The browse is then packed into sturdy boxes, each holding the equivalent of a standard trash can of plant material, weighing approximately 30–35 pounds. Each box is clearly labeled as containing live plants, with clear instructions to keep the box upright during shipping.
This proven method helps ensure that browse boxes arrive in excellent condition, even through long-distance travel.
Pro tip for care upon arrival:
Place the stems directly into a bucket or barrel of water, similar to how florists store fresh flowers.
For maximum longevity, store the browse in a cooler, just like cut floral arrangements.
This simple step helps maintain quality and freshness for several days, though timing varies depending on plant type and travel duration.
Why This Matters for Animals
Fresh browse isn’t just food, it’s a vital part of an animal’s well-being. It provides:
Natural nutrition, supporting health and digestion.
Enrichment opportunities, like bark peeling and branch stripping.
A connection to instinctive behaviors, reducing stress and boredom in captivity.
From giraffes using their long tongues to carefully pluck leaves to primates peeling bark, browse brings animals closer to their natural way of life, even in captivity.
By harvesting with care and shipping with precision, we ensure every animal receives browse that’s as close to nature as possible. From farm to habitat, every step matters.
Ready to Bring Fresh Browse to Your Animals?
Whether you care for giraffes, camels, elephants, primates, rhinos, or other exotic animals, we’re here to provide the highest-quality browse, harvested and shipped with care. Contact us today to discuss your needs, place an order, or learn more about how our fresh, natural browse can support the health and enrichment of the animals you serve.