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Brandy Waligora of northwest Bradenton feeds a llama. She passes by The Rye Road Giraffes all the time when she drives to work at Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary and finally got to visit.
Hannah Storbeck of Summerfield feeds Twigs the giraffe as siblings Ethan (left) and Jani watch. They are from South Africa, and mom Anoesjka Storbeck said seeing the giraffes and zebras felt like a taste of home.
Jeffrey Schermerhorn (left) and Paxton Schermerhorn of Sarasota feed the llamas. They came to see all the animals, but mainly the giraffes and more "exotic" creatures.
(From left) Jessica Bangora, Tristan Bangora, Ryan Bangora and Elizabeth Bangora, who live on State Road 64 in Bradenton, feed Melman the giraffe. They were driving to Rye Preserve but stopped to visit when they saw the giraffes.
Irene Downey (left) of Country Creek and Cheryl Nagle of Braden Pines visit the cow enclosure. They love animals and were visiting The Rye Road Giraffes for the first time.
Brandy Waligora of northwest Bradenton feeds a llama. She passes by The Rye Road Giraffes all the time when she drives to work at Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary and finally got to visit.
Hannah Storbeck of Summerfield feeds Twigs the giraffe as siblings Ethan (left) and Jani watch. They are from South Africa, and mom Anoesjka Storbeck said seeing the giraffes and zebras felt like a taste of home.
Mark Bulger and David Gay work on a wooden door as carpenters. In past years, they would help kids with a kids craft but can't this year due to the event being a drive-thru only. Bulger says it's weird not having the interaction.
Levi and Andrea Lalond pass out pre-packaged pamphlets about the church and goodies for children. "I love to interact with everyone coming through," Andrea Lalong says.