Conservation
Join our mission to be a leader in conservation education and action
The prime directive of Lehigh Valley Zoo's mission is conservation. We are dedicated to saving species from extinction and preserving the natural world around us. Click on each letter below to see the initiatives we support and to learn how YOU can get involved!
PURPOSEFUL PET OWNERSHIP
People love animals which is why so many of us have pets at home! Most pet owners mean well and would never intentionally do anything to harm an animal but did you know by purchasing and owning an exotic animal, you could be supporting the illegal exotic pet trade? One more exotic pet in captivity is one less animal in the wild which is resulting in species population numbers dropping drastically.
AZA INSTITUTIONS
You may already know that the Lehigh Valley Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) but what does that actually mean? In short, it means that we are held to a standard of excellence in all that we do. We are leaders in animal care and animal welfare, conservation, and conservation education. By participating in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan Program (SSP), providing guests with educational experiences, and ensuring exceptional animal care, the LVZ works hard to bring awareness to and promote conservation of species across the globe.
CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL WORLD
Saving species from extinction and conserving the natural world and the places that wild animals call home go hand in hand. Did you know? Around half of the world’s original forests have disappeared, and they are still being removed at a rate 10x higher than any possible level of regrowth, according to the World Wildlife Fund. From clearing forests for agriculture to pollution to climate change, today’s natural world is in a lot of trouble. But if we work together, we can make lasting imPACTS.
TOGETHER WITH NATURE
Our natural world is important for more reasons than one. Not only does it provide us with the resources that we need to live, but it also allows us endless recreational opportunities. Spending time with nature is good for us! In fact, research shows that it reduces stress, fear, and anger and increases positive feelings. It’s important to remember that the environment doesn’t belong to humans though, it is shared with all other life on earth. And even the smallest and most pesky animals play a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems. We must learn to coexist with nature so that it can be preserved for animals and people alike for generations to come.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING
You may hear the term sustainable living a lot these days but what does it actually mean? Simply put, sustainable living is the practice of limiting or trying to reduce your demand for natural resources (water, plants, animals, fossil fuels, etc.) and additionally, opting for renewable resources and cutting down on waste wherever possible. Sustainable living is more important now more than ever. Not only are we taking an unhealthy amount of natural resources, but also we’re pumping an unhealthy amount of waste back into the environment. With trash in our oceans and new animals becoming endangered everyday, the environment and animals are being affected the most. Eventually, however, humans will come face to face with the consequences unless we start to choose sustainable living now!
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Become a member
Get exclusive Zoo access when you become a member! Enjoy free admission and parking, special members-only events, discount on retail and dining, and more—plus, members don’t need to make advanced reservations! Membership pays for itself in two visits. rephrase this to make sound perfect for the Lehigh valley zoo
Meet the animals
Animal Encounters
Get up-close and personal with some of your favorite animals like penguins, giraffes, porcupines, and sloths.
What's next
CAA Phase 2
CAA development is moving into Phase 2—breaking ground in 2026 as the next chapter takes shape.