Animal adventure Park Announces Temporary Tablet Ban for Enhanced Visitor Experience
HARPURSVILLE,NY – November 26,2025 – Animal Adventure Park,home to the viral sensation April the Giraffe,announced today a temporary ban on tablet use within the park grounds,effective instantly. The measure, intended to foster more immersive animal encounters and improve visitor safety, will remain in effect through the spring 2026 season.
The decision follows observations of increased visitor distraction and near-miss incidents involving guests focused on devices rather than their surroundings. Park owner Jordan Patch stated the goal is to “reconnect families with the animals and with each other,” emphasizing the unique opportunity Animal Adventure Park provides for real-world experiences. The park anticipates the policy will encourage more direct engagement with the animals and enhance the overall quality of visits.
Animal Adventure Park gained international recognition in February and March 2017 when millions worldwide tuned in to a live stream of April the Giraffe as she gave birth to Tajiri. Since then, the park has become a popular destination for families and animal enthusiasts, attracting visitors from across the globe. Patch noted that while smartphones for photography remain permitted, the larger screens of tablets pose a greater distraction risk.
“We’ve seen a trend of people experiencing the park through their devices, rather than in the park,” Patch explained. “We want to encourage people to look up,look around,and truly appreciate the unbelievable animals we have here.” The park will provide designated areas for device use outside the animal exhibits. Park officials will monitor the policy’s effectiveness and consider adjustments for future seasons.
