Animal Encounters
Looking for animal encounters that you can enjoy from the comfort of home? Click below to learn about our Virtual Programming!
Something new is brewing at the Zoo!
In collaboration with Calm Waters Coffee Roasters based in Bristol, Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley Zoo is now offering Bird Friendly coffee for purchase with our educational programming! Simply submit your animal encounter request form today and indicate that you would like to add an 8oz bag of delicious Bird Friendly coffee to take home with you on the day of your program.
To learn more about Bird Friendly coffee and the zoo’s conservation initiatives, please visit www.lvzoo.org/birdfriendly.
Close Encounters of the Wild Kind
Close Encounters are interactive private programs scheduled with certain animals in the Zoo and an educator or keeper at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. We offer these programs upon reservation all year long (giraffe experiences offered seasonally). Encounters programs are fun, educational, and interactive!
Book your program during Zoo hours and receive admission for your participants to the Lehigh Valley Zoo for the entire day!
Please note: In light of COVID-19, extra precautions are being taken for the safety of our guests, staff and animals. Masks may be required for all participants in some of our animal encounters. Touching of our animals is not allowed. Any guests unable or unwilling to follow these requirements will be asked to stay outside of the animal’s area, and proceeding with the program is at the discretion of the keeper or educator.
➫ What is a close encounter?
Close encounters are interactive programs with an Ambassador Animal and educator at the Lehigh Valley Zoo.
➫ Why book an encounter?
These programs benefit our animals by providing them a form of enrichment. Enrichment is vital to animals’ welfare, as it stimulates an animal’s senses, curiosity, and desire to manipulate their environment, as well as to encourage different natural behaviors they might exhibit in a wild environment. By participating in an animal connection program you are supporting that animal’s health and welfare!
These programs are also fun, educational, and interactive for guests! They are a unique opportunity to get up close and connect with an animal. These programs also make great gifts for the animal lovers you know!
➫ How do I book an encounter?
Click one of the program request buttons below that corresponds to the type of encounter you would like to book. Fill out the request form and our program directors will contact you within 72 hours to finalize your booking.
➫ How do I purchase an encounter Gift Certificate ?
Click the program request button below that corresponds to the type of encounter you would like to book (sloth, penguin, raccoon, crowned-crane). Fill out the request form. In the Additional Information section, please add Gift Certificate and put the preferred dates as the day you are filling out the form. Our program directors will contact you within 72 hours to finalize your gift certificate purchase.
For otter and giraffe encounters, you can purchase gift certificates here:
Request a Raccoon, Sloth, or Crane program
For more information on raccoon, sloth, penguin, or crowned crane encounters, email edureservations@lvzoo.org or call 610-799-4171 ext. 228, 229, or 247.
➤ Raccoon Encounter
Want to learn more about one of our native mammals? Come spend time with our ambassador raccoon! This misunderstood species is curious and loves to explore. Participants in this encounter program will get the opportunity to meet our inquisitive ambassador raccoon, while learning about their role in our ecosystem.
During this 40 minute program participants get the opportunity to learn about the individual that lives at the zoo, the species, and their natural history. Much of the program consists of an enrichment session with the animal, educator, and guests. This may include being a part of a training session or interacting with the animal and its favorite enrichment in the habitat. No matter the chosen activities, you can count on an interactive, unique experience with an incredible animal.
We cannot guarantee any specific activities due to the needs of our animals and the variability of their behavior. Our educators are experts in determining what is appropriate and doable based off the animal’s behavior that day.
Touching of the raccoon is not permitted at any point during this encounter program.
Requirements and Reservations
- Participants must be at least 10 years old
- Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult
- Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance to your desired date
Pricing
The Raccoon Encounter is priced based on the number of participants you bring. The number range of participants and prices are set. Payment is due at the time of booking.
- For 1 to 2 participants the price is $199.00
Gift certificates available!
➤ Otter Encounter
Experience a private interaction with our North American River Otters, Luani and Piper! When you book your own private encounter you will be invited to come to the Zoo before operating hours and assist an otter keeper with preparing the otter exhibit for the day. You will get to create an enrichment item and place it within the otter habitat, and then watch as the otters interact with your creation! You will then have the exciting opportunity to throw Luani and Piper their breakfast and watch them dive, play, and swim! To commemorate the encounter, keepers will give you a very special painting made by one of our amazing otters! Each participant will have the opportunity to feed and interact through protected contact during the 20-30 minute experience! Participants will then be able to enjoy the Zoo right before it opens.
Requirements and Reservations
- Participants must be at least 5 years old
- Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult
- Reservations must be made at least one week in advance to your desired date
- Masks are required for this encounter
- Guests must wear close-toed shoes for this encounter
Pricing
- Experiences are limited to twice a week at 9:15 AM
- A basic encounter (for 1-6 people) costs $350.00, and includes admission to the zoo
- Additional otter canvases may be purchased at $50.00 per painting
Policies
- We cannot guarantee any specific activities due to the needs of our animals and the variability of their behavior. Our keepers are experts in determining what is appropriate and doable based off the animal’s behavior that day. A typical otter encounter does get to enrich and feed the otters.
- Otters may be unexpectedly unavailable for the encounter due to severe/lightning storms, or the welfare needs of the animal. See below for cancellation policy.
- Reservations that are cancelled due to inclement weather or the needs of the animals will be rebooked as possible. If rebooking is impossible, a refund will be issued.
Gift certificates available!
➤ Giraffe Painting Encounter
Experience a one-on-one Interaction with our pair of male Masai giraffes, Joshua and Tatu, along with a special keeper chat on the private lower giraffe feeding deck. You will participate in helping our giraffe ‘paint’ a canvas and take home this one-of-a-kind keepsake. Each participant will also have the opportunity to feed the giraffe during the 20-30 minute experience. Participants will also be able to enjoy the Zoo during the day prior to the scheduled time of their encounter. Please note: there is no petting the giraffe during this encounter.
Requirements and Reservations
- Participants must be at least 5 years old
- Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult
- Reservations must be made at least one week in advance to your desired date
- There is no petting the giraffe during this encounter
Pricing
- Experiences are limited to Thursday-Sunday @ 10:15 AM or 3:00 PM. Only 1 Encounter offered on each day.
- A basic encounter (for 1-4 people) costs $250.00, and includes admission to the zoo for all participants
Policies
- We cannot guarantee any specific activities due to the needs of our animals and the variability of their behavior. Our keepers are experts in determining what is appropriate and doable based off the animal’s behavior that day.
- Giraffe may be unexpectedly unavailable for the encounter due to severe/lightning storms, or the welfare needs of the animal. See below for cancellation policy.
- Reservations that are cancelled due to inclement weather or the needs of the animals will be rebooked as possible. If rebooking is impossible, a refund will be issued.
➤ Sloth Encounter
Ever wonder how it would feel to hang around with a sloth? Come slow down your day the sloth way with Bean, our Linneaus’ Two-toed Sloth. Don’t forget your cameras for this once in a lifetime opportunity!
An encounter program with Bean is unique and the one of the most popular encounter programs we offer. A encounter with the sloth lasts approximately 40 minutes and is a private to your group. The program consists of interactive experiences. A typical sloth encounter will enrich Bean by feeding him his favorite foods and viewing him on his perch.
We cannot guarantee you will get to touch the sloth or guarantee any specific activities due to the needs of our animals and the variability of their behavior. Our educators are experts in determining what is appropriate and doable based off the animal’s behavior that day.
Guests are not able to hold the sloth during this encounter.
Requirements and Reservations
- Participants must be at least 5 years old
- Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult
- Reservations must be made at least four weeks in advance to your desired date
Pricing
The Sloth Encounter is priced based on the number of participants you bring. The number range of participants and prices are set. Payment is due at the time of booking.
- For 1 to 4 participants the price is $400.00
- For 5 to 8 participants the price is $475.00
Gift certificates available!
➤ Penguin Encounter
Want to learn more about an endangered species of penguin? Waddle on over to the Lehigh Valley Zoo to meet our African Penguins! During this interactive private encounter you’ll learn about these remarkable birds, discuss conservation issues they face, and interact up close with our colony.
A penguin encounter includes guests entering their habitat with an educator where you’ll learn about their species, why they are endangered, and about the individuals (they may be little birds but they have BIG personalities). Guests will also have the opportunity to interact with the penguins using enrichment items. During this 30-40 minute program, be sure to take lots of pictures as our penguins waddle their way around you and into your heart.
We cannot guarantee how many penguins will come over to interact during the encounter and/or the variability of their behavior. Our educators are experts in determining what is appropriate and doable based off the animal’s behavior that day.
Requirements and Reservations
- Participants must be at least 5 years old and above 40” tall
- Participants under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult
- Reservations must be made at least three weeks in advance to your desired date
- Pants and socks are required for the encounter (boots will be provided upon entering exhibit)
- Encounters will be held at 9:15 am, open all year round (weather dependent)
Pricing
Payment is due at the time of booking.
- For 1 to 4 participants the price is $400.00
Gift certificates available!
➤ West African Crowned Crane Encounter
Has life been dull? Then add some color to it by joining us for a encounter program with our beautiful crane! During this program participants will get to meet our ambassador West African Crowned Crane.
This 40 minute program includes a presentation on our crane. The participants will have the opportunity to learn about this amazing bird while getting the unique experience to interact with them up close.
We cannot guarantee any specific activities due to the needs of our animal and the variability of their behavior. Our educators are experts in determining what is appropriate and doable based off the animal’s behavior that day.
Requirements and Reservations
- Participants must be at least 7 years old and at least 48” tall
- Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult
- Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance to your desired date
Pricing
The West African Crowned Crane Encounter is priced based on the number of participants you bring. The number range of participants and prices are set. Payment is due at the time of booking.
- For 1 to 4 participants the price is $199.00
Gift certificates available!
*Only available from April-October (weather dependent)*
➤ Reptile Encounter
Are you or someone you know a reptile enthusiast? Then join us for an encounter program with our reptiles!! During this program participants will get to meet 3 of our ambassador reptiles.
During this 30-minute program, participants will have the opportunity to learn about 3 of these unique animals while getting to interact with them up close.
We cannot guarantee any specific activities due to the needs of our animal and the variability of their behavior. Our educators are experts in determining what is appropriate and doable based off the animal’s behavior that day.
Requirements and Reservations
- Participants must be at least 5 years old
- For participants under 5, please reach out to edureservations@lvzoo.org for more information.
- Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult
- Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance to your desired date
Pricing
The Reptile Encounter is priced based on the number of participants you bring. The number range of participants and prices are set. Payment is due at the time of booking.
- For 1-4 participants the price is $149.00
- For 5-6 participants the price is $199.00
➤ Skunk Encounter
You can find them all over Pennsylvania, maybe even in your own backyard, but how much do you really know about striped skunks? Come learn all about these native mammals as you spend time with our ambassador skunks Tonks and Fleur!
During this 40 minute interactive encounter, guests will get the opportunity to meet one of our ambassador skunks all while learning what makes them unique. Our inquisitive skunks will be roaming around, interacting with enrichment chosen by the guests, and participating in some training. Guests may even get the opportunity to feed a skunk! This encounter is sure to be so stinking fun!
We cannot guarantee any specific activities due to the welfare of our animals and the variability of their behavior. Our educators are experts in determining what is appropriate based off of the animal’s behavior that day.
Touching of the skunk is not permitted at any point during this encounter program.
Requirements and Reservations
- Participants must be at least 10 years old
- Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult
- Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance to your desired date
Pricing
The Skunk Encounter is priced based on the number of participants you bring. The number range of participants and prices are set. Payment is due at the time of booking.
- For 1 to 2 participants the price is $199.00
Gift certificates available!
*Only available from April-November
