Guests signed a large birthday card for Murphy which expressed love for the gentle giant and his prominent presence at the zoo. As a special treat, Murphy received an enrichment cake made of leaf eater biscuits, peanut butter, honey, strawberries, and celery topped with 18 carrots to represent candles. He even shared with Tatu!

As part of the Species Survival Plan, Murphy and Tatu are ambassadors for their species to raise awareness about the declining populations of giraffes in the wild and the dangers of extinction. Currently, there are only about 32,000 Masai Giraffes in the wild.

Both a member of the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the Lehigh Valley Zoo is focused on the importance of conserving species and educating guests on pro-environmental behaviors. During the winter, the Lehigh Valley Zoo offers a Wintertime Animal Encounter Trail in the RAD Center, Nature Store, Zoomagination Wing, and Giraffe Vestibule where guests can learn about unique species and how to conserve for a greener future. Be sure to visit the Lehigh Valley soon and learn how you can help save species from extinction!

The Lehigh Valley Zoo, located at 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078, is open daily from 10:00AM to 3:00 PM. For more information on event schedules visit lvzoo.org or the Zoo’s Facebook page.

As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but as a treasured community landmark, the Zoo’s history spans over a century. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Lehigh Valley Zoo hosts year-round, family-friendly events and activities, educational programs and camps. Its mission is to create a safe, engaging and enlightening wildlife experience for guest of all ages.