(Schnecksville, Pa.) — Lehigh Valley Zoo is honored to continue its prestigious accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) independent Accreditation Commission, as announced at this year’s AZA Annual Conference in Portland, Ore. Following a comprehensive evaluation, the Accreditation Commission determined that LV Zoo meets AZA’s standards for animal wellbeing, care and management.

 

LV Zoo has been accredited continuously since 2005, marking 20 consecutive years of excellence.

 

“Less than 10 percent of the almost 3,000 USDA-licensed exhibitors across the United States meet the rigorous standards of the AZA accreditation,” said Amanda Shurr, President & CEO of Lehigh Valley Zoo. “The Zoo’s team members work very hard every day to ensure that our animals are receiving the very best care, and our guests have the best experience they can. It is because of the efforts of the entire Zoo team that this continual accreditation is received.  I am extremely proud of our team’s commitment to not only meet but exceed the AZA gold-level standards. The Lehigh Valley community should be as well.”

 

AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous, multiple-day, on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals, analyzing all aspects of the facility, including animal care and wellbeing; educational programs; conservation efforts; and guest services. Detailed reports from both the inspection team and the Zoo are evaluated by the Accreditation Commission, which then interviews top officials from the facility to fully grant, provisionally grant or deny accreditation.

 

A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-rising standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years. The Zoo’s main partner, Lehigh County, recognizes the accomplishment.

 

“Lehigh County is proud to be a partner and supporter of the Lehigh Valley Zoo, and we celebrate this well-deserved recognition of the dedication and commitment of its staff and leadership,” Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel said. “The Zoo is an important part of our region’s quality of life, giving families a welcoming place to connect with nature, learn about wildlife, and create lasting memories together. Supporting places like the Lehigh Valley Zoo helps make Lehigh County a great place to live, work and raise a family where people can disconnect from the 9-to-5 and enjoy their 5-to-9.”

 

After this Fall 2026 AZA accreditation cycle, Lehigh Valley Zoo is proud to be among 241 AZA-accredited institutions and 14 AZA-accredited related facility members in 12 countries. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list.

 

“AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and wellbeing at their core,” said Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “Lehigh Valley Zoo has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”

 

Guests are encouraged to visit LV Zoo to learn more about its impact on saving species and creating a better future. The zoo is currently open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (hours shift to Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Nov. 2). Tickets are available at lvzoo.org.

 

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About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is setting the global gold standard, accrediting 255 of the top zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in 12 countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a wonderful experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

 

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As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been a treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Nature Preserve, the mission of the Lehigh Valley Zoo is to connect its community with nature to empower people to protect wildlife. We have achieved our mission and educated more than five million people. 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. To learn more about Lehigh Valley Zoo, we invite you to visit our website, www.lvzoo.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

 

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