Physical Description

The grey fox is a smaller species with short, grizzled, grey fur with reddish highlights. Their average length from nose to the tip of their tail is 31-44 inches, and they will weigh anywhere from 7-13 lb.

Predators

Common predators they face are coyotes, bobcats, and large raptors, but they are known for being good at escaping. They will use their sharp claws and teeth to defend themselves.

Lifespan

In the wild, their average lifespan is 6-8 years, but in human care, they can live up to 15 years.

Reproduction

Usually, they will begin to form mating pairs in late winter and will breed in the spring. Grey Foxes are monogamous for the breeding season, and the couple will work together to support the offspring as they grow. The female will prepare the underground den while the male hunts. Their gestation period is approximately 2 months, and about 2-7 kits will be born.

Fun Facts

• Their nickname is the “tree fox” because they are able to climb trees! They are 1 of only 2 species of the Canidae (dog family) able to climb trees.
• They are primarily nocturnal but will hunt at dawn and dusk as well.

Conservation Messaging

Gray Foxes are not considered to be a threatened species but they do face habitat loss. Since these foxes live in areas with dense human populations, they are being driven out of their natural habitats by means of new development.

Physical Description

Red Kangaroos are the largest living marsupial. Males, known as boomers, can weigh between 120-180lbs and stand around 5-6ft tall. Females, known as blue fliers, are smaller, weighing around 60-80lbs and stand around 4-5ft tall. They are named for the reddish-color fur of the males. Females are more of a bluish-grey in color.

Predators

Because of their large size and strong legs, most predators stay away. Dingoes will prey on kangaroos, and young kangaroos may be captured by raptors.

Lifespan

In the wild, the average lifespan of a Red kangaroo is 12-18 years. Under human care, they can live up to 25 years.

Reproduction

After a 33 day pregnancy, the new joey will crawl out of the mother’s womb and into the pouch; they will only be the size of a jellybean! Only 1 joey will be born at a time though the mother can nurse multiple different aged joeys at one time.

Fun Facts

• When males fight to establish breeding rights, they appear to be “boxing” with their front limbs.
• They live in small groups of 2-10 individuals with a single dominant male, several females, and their offspring.

Conservation Messaging

Although Red Kangaroos are currently listed as a species of least concern, just like many other Australian species they face many threats to their habitats. One major issue is logging and clearing land for agriculture and property development.

One thing that we can do is support sustainable agriculture practices. By purchasing products that are certified by organizations such as Bird Friendly, you are helping in the conservation of forests and habitats around the world.

Physical Description

Mongoose lemurs are the smallest of the 5 species of lemurs, weighing only approximately 3 lbs! They grow to approximately 14 inches long with an almost 19 inch tail. Females, which are typically dominant in this species, have white or creamy gray cheeks and beards and are a lighter gray overall. Males, on the other hand, have reddish brown cheeks and beards, darker tail tips, dark pygal (rump) patches, and creamy stomach coats.

Predators

Their natural predators in the wild are hawks, boa constrictors, and fossae, which are large carnivores related to the mongoose with qualities of a cat.

Lifespan

In the wild, they live an average of 18-20 years, but in human care, they can live into their 30s!

Reproduction

Females are only sexually receptive for a 24 hour period. They attract males by presenting their hind quarters, grabbing the male’s head, and/ or “chin cuffing,’ in which she cups her hand under his snout. Their gestation period is 125 days, and only one baby is born at a time.

Fun Facts

• Lemurs are the most threatened group of mammals.
• Groups of lemurs are “pair-bonded” and are comprised of an adult pair and their offspring. When families encounter each other in the wild, there is a lot of agitation, vocalizations, and scent-marking.

Conservation Messaging

Mongoose lemurs of Madagascar are considered the smallest of the 5 species of lemurs found in the genus Eulemur. These lemurs are listed as critically endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.

Human activity is decimating the mongoose lemur populations and their home on the island of Madagascar is diminishing at an alarming rate. In fact, it’s estimated that about 1-2% of Madagascar’s forests are destroyed each year, and only about 10% of Madagascar’s forests remain. Slash-and-burn agriculture, clearing land for cattle, and charcoal production are destroying these precious forest ecosystems.

One thing that we can do is support sustainable agriculture practices. By purchasing products that are certified by organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance and Bird Friendly, you are helping in the conservation of forests and habitats around the world

Physical Description

They are the smallest gray wolf subspecies in North America with adults averaging 5.5 feet nose to tail, weighing about 50-80 lbs, and standing 28-32 inches at the shoulder. Males are slightly larger than females. Their coats are a mix of gray, rust, brown, black, and off-white/ cream.

Hunting

Mexican wolves hunt cooperatively to bring down prey animals usually much larger than themselves. This is accomplished primarily by chasing their prey often over large distances; however, hunting behavior and strategies likely vary depending on terrain, prey size, and availability.

Lifespan

In the wild, they have an average lifespan of 5-10 years, but in human care, they can live up to 15 years.

Reproduction

Generally, they breed in February and give birth in April or early May to four to six pups after a 63-day gestation period. Pups are born blind and helpless, so adult subordinates in the pack will help raise offspring who will mature at 10 months of age.

Fun Facts

• By the mid-1980s, hunting, trapping, and poisoning caused their extinction in the wild. The Mexican Wolf Recovery Team was founded by the US Fish & Wildlife Services in 1979 and created the Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan.
• As of 2021, current populations in the wild reached 186 wolves- a 14% increase from 2019!

Conservation Messaging

As an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility, the Lehigh Valley Zoo is proud to play a role in the conservation community through participation in Species Survival Plans, or SSPs. This means our Mexican Grey Wolves are part of a breeding program where we help to maintain captive populations that are both genetically diverse and demographically stable.

By visiting the Lehigh Valley Zoo and other AZA member institutions, you’re supporting the highest level of animal care and welfare, along with the promotion of conservation of animals such as the Mexican Grey Wolf.

Physical Description

North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies with broad heads, short legs, webbed toes and long, powerful tails. They average 3-4 feet in length (with tail). Males are typically bigger and lighter in color.

Predators

The main predators of otters include alligators, bobcats, and coyotes.

Lifespan

In the wild, the average lifespan of a river otter is 8-9 years old. Under human care, they can live into their 20s.

Reproduction

Males will often breed with multiple females. After a 2 month gestation period, females will give birth to an average of 3 pups, which will be born in a den near the water.

Fun Facts

• North American River Otters can stay under water for up to 8 minutes and can dive to depths of 60 feet!
• Playful activities help strengthen social bonds and help young otters practice hunting techniques.

Conservation Messaging

North American River otters spend about ⅔rds of their life in the water. They will use the water to hunt, play, and clean themselves. Water pollution has been a major issue for river otters since they have a low tolerance of pollution and so they are considered an important indicator species for aquatic habitats.

This means, low numbers and low birth rates of river otters in a specific habitat probably means it is significantly polluted. By keeping the waterways and neighboring areas free of debris, pesticides, and trash we can help protect these critical aquatic habitats and save species like the North American River Otter.

Physical Description

Scimitar-Horned Oryx average 4.6 feet tall at the shoulder, and their head and body length is between 4.9 to 7.5 feet. They weigh between 220 to 460 pounds. They are mostly white with reddish brown necks and marks on the face and a long, dark, tufted tail. Their black skin and tip of the tongue protects against sunburn while enlarged hooves enable the oryx to walk easily on sand. Both male and female scimitar-horned oryx have long, ridged, sharp-tipped and curved backwards horns that grow to be several feet long.

Predators

In the wild, their predators have included animals such as lions, hyena, leopards, Cape hunting dogs.

Lifespan

Their lifespan in the wild is unknown, but in human care, they have been known to live into their twenties.

Reproduction

They will give birth after an approximately 8 month gestation period and will give birth to one calf, which will weigh 20-33 lb. Calves are weaned at about 4.5 months old.

Fun Facts

• The oryx is a herd animal that would typically have been found in herds of 20-40 animals with a dominant male; males can be very aggressive toward each other. They sometimes formed herds of over a 1,000 individuals during migrations.
• Their name comes from the shape of their horns which are curved like Arabian swords called scimitars.

Conservation Messaging

As an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility, the Lehigh Valley Zoo is proud to play a role in the conservation community through participation in Species Survival Plans, or SSPs. This means our Scimitar-horned Oryx are part of a breeding program where we help to maintain captive populations that are both genetically diverse and demographically stable.

By visiting the Lehigh Valley Zoo and other AZA member institutions, you’re supporting the highest level of animal care and welfare, along with the promotion of conservation of animals such as the Scimitar-horned Oryx.

Physical Description

Raccoons typically have greyish-brown fur on top and light gray fur underneath. The tail has 5 -7 complete dark rings, alternating with broader brown or gray rings. One hypothesis for the dark fur that covers its eyes is that it may help reduce glare and enhance the nocturnal animal’s night vision. Because its hind legs are longer than the front legs, they often appear hunched when they walk or run.

Predators

Common predators they may encounter include coyotes, wolves, hawks, and owls.

Lifespan

In the wild, they will live an average of 2-3 years, but in human care they have been known to live up to 20 years.

Reproduction

Females are more monogamous, while males tend to be polygamous and don’t help raise their young. Their gestation period is approximately 63 days and litter size will be 1-7 kits. Kits are 3-5 oz at birth, have little fur, no teeth, and their eyes are closed.

Fun Facts

• Their front paws are incredibly dexterous and contain roughly four times more sensory receptors than their back paws. This allows them to differentiate between objects without seeing them, which is crucial when feeding at night.
• Raccoons are not very social and are typically solitary. Females will raise their young, but once the kits reach 10 months old they are ready to leave mom

Conservation Messaging

Raccoons are often seen as pests since they will go through your garbage, get close to humans, and sometimes scavenge throughout the day.

The common misconception with raccoons is that they have rabies if seen during the day and will attack you if you are near which is actually not true. Raccoons will flee a situation if they feel scared as long as they have an exit. So please keep your distance from them to allow them that opportunity to flee. Also just because you see a raccoon during the day, does not necessarily mean they have rabies, are sick or dangerous. Raccoons are opportunistic so they may be looking for food to support young, taking advantage of a garden while the dogs are inside, or trying to move to a new location to call home.

Ways to co-exist safely with raccoons are to keep your outside trash lids secure and keep trash inside your car while driving. Often time’s raccoons are killed when trying to eat such things as banana peels or apple cores on the side of the road and often get hit by cars. No matter where you are, always “Leave No Trace.”

Physical Description

A male bull will weigh approximately 700 lbs and will be about 5 feet tall at the shoulder; while females will weigh approximately 500 lbs and be about 4 ½ feet tall. During the summer, their coat will be copper brown, but during the rest of the year, it will be light tan with their neck and legs being darker than the rest of the body.

Predators

Some of their predators include bears, wolves, cougars, and coyotes.

Lifespan

In the wild, they live an average of 15 years, but in human care they have been known to live into their 20’s.

Reproduction

The rut, or mating period, for elk begins in September and will last for about 10-12 weeks. During this time, male bulls will compete for and then defend a harem of females. Their gestation period is 240-262 days and will result in a single calf being born. Calves will be weaned by about 2 months of age but will remain with their mother for about a

Fun Facts

• Also known as Nelson’s Elk, the Rocky Mountain Elk is the second largest member of the deer family, with Moose being the largest.
• Only male elk have antlers, which they will shed and regrow every year. These antlers can weigh up to 40 lbs!

Conservation Messaging

Early settlers in North America caused a decline in certain elk populations because of overhunting and habitat loss. Their populations began recovering because of various conservation programs that worked on reintroducing elk to areas that had experienced extreme population decline or extinction and by creating programs to regulate hunting. One thing that we can do is support sustainable agriculture practices. By purchasing products that are certified by organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance and Bird Friendly, you are helping in the conservation of forests and habitats around the world.

Physical Description

Tammar Wallabies are the smallest species of Wallaby, only reaching heights of around two feet and weights of 15-20 lb. Males are typically larger than females. Their coat of fur is short and dark grey in color though their sides may be red, and they may be tan underneath.

Predators

Dingoes are the main natural predator they face in the wild, but they also are preyed on by invasive species that were introduced to Australia, including foxes and feral cats. If they sense danger, they will give warning thumps with their hind legs.

Lifespan

In the wild, their average lifespan is under 10 years, but in human care, they live an average of 10-14 years.

Reproduction

Their gestation period is approximately 1 month, and the female will give birth to a single joey which will stay in the pouch for 8-9 months. The joey usually doesn’t poke out of the mother’s pouch until they are about 150 days old. The female may mate again after she gives birth but will pause the pregnancy for up to 11 months. This process is called embryonic diapause.

Fun Facts

• Their tail is extremely important. The average length is 15-17 inches long, and it has several functions. The tail will help provide balance and can be used as a rudder, but it can also function almost like a third leg when they are sitting.
• Wallabies live in groups called “mobs,” which may include up to 50 members. They have a fixed breeding season so that all offspring in the mob are born at the same time.

Conservation Messaging

Wallabies are currently listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, just like many other Australian species, they face many threats to their habitats. One major issue is logging and clearing land for agriculture and property development. More than 50% of Australia’s land mass is used for agricultural purposes!

One thing that we can do is support sustainable agriculture practices. By purchasing products that are certified such as Bird Friendly Coffee, you are helping in the conservation of forests and habitats around the world.

Physical Description

Grant’s Zebras are roughly 5 feet tall and can weigh up to 800 lbs. Each zebra has a unique stripe pattern of black or brown and white stripes. Zebras have dark skin, black hooves, and dense fur, potentially to protect against the harsh African sun.

Predators

Common predators for zebras are lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. When threatened, the herd will often form a circle around the most vulnerable members. Nearly 50% of calves are lost due to predation.

Lifespan

In the wild, they usually live 20-25 years, but under human care, they can live 30-40 years.

Reproduction

Births, usually a single foal, can occur any time of the year, and the gestation period is 360-396 days. Foals weigh 66-77 lbs at birth, are striped brown and cream, and can stand and nurse very soon after birth.

Fun Facts

• Within each herd are cohesive family sub-groups composed of one stallion, several mares, and young zebras. Mares normally stay in the same family group for their lifetime.
• Zebras will sleep in turns so that some members of the herd are always awake.

Conservation Messaging

Our Ostriches and Zebras are found throughout different areas of Africa. Like many other animals in Africa, habitat loss has been increasing due to human encroachment. Agriculture, infrastructure, and resource extraction are just a few of the contributions to the destruction of wildlife habitats in Africa. One thing that we can do is support sustainable agriculture practices.

By purchasing products that are certified by organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance and Bird Friendly, you are helping in the conservation of forests and habitats around the world.