On Thursday, October 12, a Texas family experienced an unusual encounter at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose when a giraffe fell onto their car, causing considerable damage to the vehicle.
Kari Hill, along with her teenage sons and a one-year-old granddaughter, was driving through the facility that allows visitors to approach and feed exotic animals. According to reports, Hill had stopped her vehicle, a Kia Sorento, to take a photo with the giraffe that had poked its head through the sunroof. However, the animal suddenly lost its balance and came crashing down onto the windshield.
Following the incident, the windshield began “caving in” as the giraffe floundered to regain its footing. Hill managed to pull the car aside, ensuring her family members were safe from the glass debris, and immediately contacted the park’s emergency hotline. The vehicle was later towed due to the damage sustained.
Describing the event as a “quick, freak accident,” Hill expressed relief that the situation wasn’t worse. “Cars can be replaced. People can’t,” she added.
Fossil Rim confirmed the incident, stating that the giraffe was unharmed and that this was an isolated incident in their 11 years of operation. Furthermore, it was noted that the conservation facility does not assume liability for such incidents involving visitors and animals, a fact guests are informed of upon entry.
As families and visitors continue to flock to wildlife centers for unique experiences, safety remains paramount for both humans and animals alike.