On June 1, 2024, at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas, a giraffe reached toward food and lifted 2-year-old Paisley Toten by her shirt while she was in her family’s pickup bed. Her mother shouted and caught her after the giraffe let go; the Associated Press reported that Paisley was unhurt. Her family described the incident as accidental, and Fossil Rim subsequently prohibited guests from riding in pickup beds.
The video shows a frightening moment during a feeding stop, but it does not independently establish the giraffe’s intent. Fossil Rim’s current rules require visitors to remain seated inside enclosed vehicles with doors and other openings closed.
What happened in the giraffe video?
The incident happened on Saturday, June 1, 2024, during a family visit to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas. Paisley Toten was two years old and in the bed of her family’s pickup with her mother while they offered food to a giraffe.
News accounts describe the giraffe reaching toward food and catching Paisley’s shirt, lifting her several feet. Her mother shouted and caught her after the animal released her. Video was recorded from a vehicle behind the family, and the family also had its own footage.
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Paisley’s father, Jason Toten, told CBS News that the giraffe went for the bag of food, not Paisley, but caught her shirt too. That is the family’s explanation; the footage does not independently establish the animal’s intent.
Was the child hurt?
The Associated Press reported that Paisley was unhurt. ABC News also reported on the incident. Avoid inferring medical or psychological details beyond those accounts.
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How did Fossil Rim respond?
Fossil Rim told CBS News it learned of the incident after it was reported on June 3, 2024. The park said it would immediately stop allowing guests to ride through the park in truck beds. ABC News also reported the park’s statement.
Fossil Rim’s current official road rules prohibit riding in a pickup bed. They require visitors to stay seated inside vehicles with a solid roof and doors that fully enclose the cabin, and to keep tailgates, doors, sunroofs, and hatchbacks closed.
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What are Fossil Rim’s current visitor rules?
Fossil Rim says most animals roam freely and may approach vehicles. Its current rules also set a 15 mph speed limit on the tour route and instruct visitors not to stop within 50 feet of gates or cattle guards. Check the official rules before visiting, as they may change.
The feeding guidance has specific conditions: Fossil Rim’s page says not to feed from a hand or feed cup, then says only giraffes can be fed by hand and instructs visitors to toss pellets on the ground away from the vehicle. Follow the page’s exact current instructions rather than assuming all animals may be fed in the same way.
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How can visitors stay safer around free-roaming wildlife?
- Stay seated inside an enclosed vehicle. Do not ride in a pickup bed or use a roof, tailgate, sunroof, or open hatch as a viewing position.
- Keep doors and openings closed as required. Follow the park’s instructions and do not let an animal put its head inside the vehicle.
- Keep children seated and supervised. Do not let children reach toward animals or hold food near an animal’s head.
- Follow the park’s feeding instructions. Use only approved pellets and observe the specific rules for each animal.
- Follow staff instructions. Treat free-roaming animals as wildlife, even when they approach vehicles.
FAQ
Did a giraffe really lift a 2-year-old girl at Fossil Rim?
Yes. On June 1, 2024, a giraffe caught Paisley Toten’s shirt while reaching toward food and lifted her several feet before releasing her into her mother’s arms.
Was the child injured?
The Associated Press reported that Paisley was unhurt.
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Was the giraffe attacking the child?
The family described the incident as accidental, saying the giraffe was reaching for food and caught Paisley’s shirt. The footage does not independently establish the animal’s intent.
Can visitors ride in pickup beds at Fossil Rim?
No. Fossil Rim’s current official road rules prohibit riding in pickup beds and require visitors to remain seated inside enclosed vehicles.
How should visitors feed animals at Fossil Rim?
Follow Fossil Rim’s current official feeding instructions. The rules say not to feed from a hand or feed cup, specify that only giraffes can be fed by hand, and instruct visitors to toss pellets on the ground away from the vehicle.
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