JOIN US TO #SupportSelma

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Jan. 24, 2025

Join us to #SupportSelma


Over the past several months, Lehigh Valley Zoo’s veterinary staff has been closely monitoring our 14-and-a-half-year-old Canada Lynx, Selma, due to signs of potential health issues. Through a recent diagnosis, the zoo team was sad to learn that Selma is dealing with non-regenerative anemia, likely caused by cancer.

The veterinary staff first discovered Selma had significant medical issues in the fall during a dental procedure. She was given a full physical exam at that time, which included routine blood testing that revealed several concerning values.

The next step was to get a better understanding of what was causing these abnormalities in her bloodwork. Selma underwent two exams for more advanced diagnostic testing at Valley Central Veterinary Referral Center(VCVRC) — including an ultrasound, gastroscopy and a CT scan. Additional bloodwork taken during these procedures confirmed she may being dealing with cancer. 

After reviewing the test results and conferring with the veterinarians at VCVRC, the zoo team decided that the best option for Selma is to treat her with oral medications aimed at sending the cancer into remission and stimulating red blood cell production. While Selema is currently active and eating well, she is being closely monitored by Animal Care staff for any indication of lethargy, inappetence, or discomfort. The goal is to keep Selma, who has been at the LV Zoo since 2018, as happy and healthy for as long as possible.

How can you help? The zoo is asking for you to share any of your favorite Selma photos in order to lift the spirits of her caretakers and guests that list Selma among their favorite LV Zoo animals (to tell her apart from her habitat mate, Sasquatch, Selma is smaller in size, more grey in color and has longer ear tufts). You can also make a donation specific to her care by clicking HERE.

#SupportSelma

 

 

Lehigh Valley Zoo WELCOMES ITS First-Ever NEWBORN Eland

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Jan. 14, 2025

Lehigh Valley Zoo WELCOMES ITS First-Ever NEWBORN Eland
Lehigh Valley Health Network is the Official Motherhood Partner of the LV Zoo

 


(Schnecksville, Pa.) — Lehigh Valley Zoo in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), is excited to announce the birth of a Common Eland born to mother Moira and father Code on Jan. 6. This calf represents a milestone for LV Zoo, as it marks the first-ever eland born under its care.

The zoo’s veterinary team conducted an examination on Jan. 7 and confirmed the newborn is a healthy male, weighing 68.2 pounds. Both Moira and her baby are doing well. The pair enjoyed the opportunity to bond and rest in a sheltered area before being introduced to the rest of the herd on Jan. 13, and the pair will be visible to daytime guests beginning Jan. 15 during zoo winter hours. Female eland are sexually mature at 15 to 36 months and have a gestation period of nine months, giving birth to only one calf at a time.

Code became LV Zoo’s first common eland when he arrived as a one-year-old from The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio, in August 2022. Moira and her sister, Alexis, also joined the LV Zoo family from The Wilds as two-year-olds in May 2023. The Wilds is one of the largest conservation centers in the world.

The baby calf also marks a success for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums‘ cooperatively managed Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is designed “to manage a genetically diverse, demographically varied, and biologically sound population” of certain animals. The SSP pairs members of the same species at accredited zoos based on their genetics, so it was this recommendation that brought Moira and Alexis to join with Code at LV Zoo.

The common eland is the second-largest species of antelope after the giant eland, with males growing up to six feet tall at the shoulder and weighing anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 pounds — roughly the same weight as our resident giraffes, Tatu and Joshua. Females are slightly smaller, but still impressive animals. These athletic antelope can jump great heights and have sustained running speeds of 20 mph when escaping predators. Native to Africa, Elands are important members of their ecosystem, playing a crucial role in conservation efforts in their native habitats.

Guests can view the baby calf and visit other LV Zoo residents during winter hours of Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. LV Zoo will also be open on Martin Luther King Jr Day, Monday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at lvzoo.org.

The “zoo-born” eland still needs a name. In partnership with LVHN, LV Zoo will launch a naming contest this weekend. All guests entering the Zoo from Jan. 17 through Jan. 20 will receive a complimentary entry form to make a name suggestion and have a chance to win other prizes. More information about the upcoming weekend and the naming contest will soon appear on the Zoo’s Facebook page.

LVHN is the Official Motherhood Partner of the Lehigh Valley Zoo.

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About Jefferson
Lehigh Valley Health Network is now proudly part of Jefferson Health. Nationally ranked, Jefferson, which is principally located in the Greater Philadelphia region, Lehigh Valley and northeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey, is reimagining health care and higher education to create unparalleled value. Jefferson is more than 65,000 people strong, dedicated to providing the highest-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients; making our communities healthier and stronger; preparing tomorrow’s professional leaders for 21st-century careers; and creating new knowledge through basic/programmatic, clinical and applied research. Thomas Jefferson University, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson College of Nursing, and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, dates back to 1824 and today comprises 10 colleges and three schools offering 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 8,300 students. Jefferson Health, nationally ranked as one of the top 15 not-for-profit health care systems in the country and the largest provider in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas, serves patients through millions of encounters each year at 32 hospitals and more than 700 outpatient and urgent care locations throughout the region. Jefferson Health Plans is a not-for-profit managed health care organization providing a broad range of health coverage options in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for more than 35 years.

 

# # #


As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been 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 Twitter.

— SmartFun—

 

 

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO ADJUSTS CARE FOR ITS BIRDS DURING HPAI OUTBREAK

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Jan.  6, 2025

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO ADJUSTS CARE FOR ITS BIRDS DURING HPAI OUTBREAK
Zoo’s On-Site Veterinarians Implement Proactive Safety Measures

 


(Schnecksville, Pa.) — Due to the proximity of recent positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Lehigh Valley Zoo is implementing an established protocol created to keep its animals safe from outbreaks such as HPAI. At this time, the zoo’s barnyard birds, waterfowl and penguins have been brought indoors since they are most at risk.

Last week, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) reported that HPAI is suspected in two mortality events of snow geese in roosting areas within the region — one in Upper Macungie Township (Lehigh County) and the other in Lower Nazareth Township (Northampton County). Approximately 200 geese were reported dead, and mortality is ongoing. HPAI is highly contagious among wild and domestic birds, causing extreme illness and possibly death.

“LV Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and works hard daily to uphold the highest standards in the field,” President and CEO Amanda Shurr said. “During the most recent outbreak in 2022, we took preventative measures to better protect our birds from future outbreaks by adding roofs to as many of their habitats as possible. Our most at-risk species, whose habitats are without roofs, have been moved off exhibit and will be monitored by our dedicated staff. We will continue to keep a close eye on positive cases of HPAI ensuring we continue to provide excellent care for our zoo residents.”

According to a PGC press release, preliminary in-state testing indicated the presence of HPAI in dead birds collected from both sites. While results are yet to be confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at its National Veterinary Services Laboratories, HPAI is presumed to be the cause of these mortality events. The situation is ongoing as sick wild birds were also observed at both locations. As a result of the highly transmissible nature of HPAI, LV Zoo immediately began to implement enhanced safety precautions to protect the birds in its care. The zoo has elected to move the most susceptible species indoors to eliminate contact with wild birds on zoo grounds. Other precautions taken include higher levels of biosecurity for birds; personal protective equipment for staff; restricted access to bird areas; and discontinuation of bird-centered educational programs and interactives. 

Committed to protecting birds in its care, LV Zoo will continue to work closely with the USDA, the State Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to stay current with any new updates. The PGC is asking that those encountering sick or dead wild birds to report them to the commission by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453), by emailing pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov or by using the online Wildlife Health Survey tool. 

Since the beginning of the U.S. outbreak in January 2022, HPAI has impacted wild and domestic birds in every state.

Symptoms of HPAI in birds include sneezing, coughing, walking or swimming in circles, and swelling of the legs and feet. Although wild waterfowl are the most common carriers, they are often asymptomatic while birds of prey — such as hawks and owls — and scavengers — such as crows and gulls — may show more severe infection. The USDA continues to monitor cases that are impacting commercial poultry and backyard flocks across the county, as well as hundreds of cases in dairy cattle across several states. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the HPAI situation remains primarily an animal health issue, and the risk to the general public from these viruses remains low. People with job-related or recreational exposure to poultry flocks or wild birds should take appropriate precautions to protect against bird flu.

# # #
As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been 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 Twitter.

— SmartFun—

 

 

WINTER LIGHT SPECTACULAR OPENS ITS ELEVENTH SEASON ON FRIDAY, NOV. 15

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Nov  13, 2024

WINTER LIGHT SPECTACULAR OPENS ITS ELEVENTH SEASON ON FRIDAY, NOV. 15
The Valley’s Original Holiday Tradition Returns for 38 Dates Starting this Weekend

 


(Schnecksville, Pa.) — The Valley’s Original Holiday Tradition returns this weekend, when Lehigh Valley Zoo and Christmas Décor host the 11th-annual Winter Light Spectacular (WLS), presented by Service Electric TV & Communications. Hours of operation for Opening Weekend are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are available at winterlightspectacular.com, along with dates, hours of operation, promotions and performance schedules.

Opening Weekend features a pair of prominent guests, as Bluey and Bingo will be around all three nights for a meet-and-greet on the SECTV Dining Terrace between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The popular healer pups will return on Dec. 4. Performing at various times Opening Weekend at the SECTV Princess Stage are Elsa, Anna, Ariel, Cinderella and Rapunzel. Additionally, Santa Claus is back and available for picture packages from Dan’s Camera City on Opening Weekend and during select dates through Dec. 23.

Geakers Tacos and Cockatoo Café are both be open for dining. In addition, the Kilimanjaro Distillery Spirit Station is open Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – offering guests 21 and older the opportunity to purchase spiked hot chocolate or hot cider with one of several options from Kilimanjaro Distillery and Xplorer Spirits (or to enjoy a cold beer).

The popular event is scheduled for 38 dates in all, spanning from Friday, Nov. 15, through Saturday, Jan. 4. Due to the popularity of this event and the likelihood of sold-out dates, LV Zoo strongly recommends purchasing advanced tickets online to guarantee availability.

Located at LV Zoo in Schnecksville, Pa., WLS is the zoo’s largest annual fundraiser and was featured by USA Today in “Holiday light displays worth traveling for across America.”

This year’s event is highlighted by many exciting new additions, such as a 40’ Walk-Through Christmas Tree and a Botanical Garden display. Along with more than 1.2 million lights – a total more than any other Pennsylvania attraction – WLS features classic holiday scenes, numerous photo opportunities, multiple fire pits, hot chocolate and so many other holiday treats.

Revenue from the event supports animal conservation projects and programs at LV Zoo.

Please visit winterlightspectacular.com or follow LV Zoo on Facebook for daily WLS updates, promotions, contests, weather cancellations and so much more.

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2024 SCHEDULE

NOV DAY OPEN CLOSE
11/15 FRI 5 PM 9 PM
11/16 SAT 5 PM 9 PM
11/17 SUN 5 PM 9 PM
11/22 FRI 5 PM 9 PM
11/23 SAT 5 PM 9 PM
11/24 SUN 5 PM 9 PM
11/26 TUE 5 PM 9 PM
11/27 WED 5 PM 9 PM
11/29 FRI 5 PM 10 PM
11/30 SAT 5 PM 10 PM
12/1 SUN 5 PM 9 PM
12/4 WED 5:30 P 9 PM
12/5 TUE 5:30 P 9 PM
12/6 FRI 5 PM 10 PM
12/7 SAT 5 PM 10 PM
12/8 SUN 5 PM 10 PM
12/11 WED 5:30 P 9 PM
12/12 TUE 5:30 P 9 PM
12/13 FRI 5 PM 10 PM
12/14 SAT 5 PM 10 PM
12/15 SUN 5 PM 10 PM
12/16 MON 5 PM 9 PM
12/17 TUE 5 PM 9 PM
12/18 WED 5 PM 9 PM
12/19 TUE 5 PM 9 PM
12/20 FRI 5 PM 10 PM
12/21 SAT 5 PM 10 PM
12/22 SUN 5 PM 10 PM
12/23 MON 5 PM 10 PM
12/26 TUE 5 PM 10 PM
12/27 FRI 5 PM 10 PM
12/28 SAT 5 PM 10 PM
12/29 SUN 5 PM 10 PM
12/30 MON 5 PM 9 PM
12/31 TUE 5 PM 9 PM
1/2 TUE 5 PM 9 PM
1/3 FRI 5 PM 9 PM
1/4 SAT 5 PM 9 PM

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As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been 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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

— SmartFun—

 

 

LV ZOO MOURNS THE LOSS OF BIG BOY, MALE BISON

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Sep  27, 2024

LV ZOO MOURNS THE LOSS OF BIG BOY, MALE BISON
Big Boy Roamed the Trexler Nature Preserve since 2004

 


(Schnecksville, PA) – The County of Lehigh, in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Zoo, is deeply saddened to announce the passing of 20-year-old male Bison, Big Boy. Big Boy was born in the Trexler Nature Preserve in May 2004 and served as the leader of his herd for the majority of his life. In his role as patriarch, he fathered over a dozen offspring, some still in the herd and others who have moved on to different herds.

As the name Big Boy suggests, it was not difficult to identify him as he was large in stature and maintained a dominant presence over the rest of the Bison on the preserve. Big Boy was estimated to have reached 2000 pounds in his formative years.

Members of LV Zoo’s animal care staff note that in his youth, Big Boy was often seen running energetically through the preserve, using his horns to toss aside tree limbs as he roamed. In his later years, he spent much of his time grazing and calmly roaming around the range. Big Boy will be dearly missed by staff and guests who admired him over the years.

In zoological settings, Bison may reach up to 25 years old.

 

LV Zoo has been entrusted by Lehigh County to provide exceptional care for the elk and bison in the Preserve for more than 20 years. As a part of its steadfast commitment to conservation, LV Zoo manages the size of the bison herd — which has grown to include 14 members — and is active with other conservation partners to help ensure the health and longevity of the herd. Bison are one of the first North American conservation success stories. The species was near extinction in the late 1800s, when they were hunted primarily for their hides but also for their meat and bones. By the end of the 19th century, bison populations were eliminated from over 98 percent of their range in the lower 48 states, resulting in fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining. Today, bison are making a comeback through population management on ranches and tribal lands, and protected parks and preserves such as the Trexler Nature Preserve.

###

As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been 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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

— SmartFun—

 

 

LV ZOO WELCOMES A NEWBORN ALPACA

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Aug  29, 2024

LV ZOO WELCOMES A NEWBORN ALPACA
Lehigh Valley Health Network is the Official Motherhood Partner of the LV Zoo

 


(Schnecksville, Pa.) — Lehigh Valley Zoo in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Health Network(LVHN), is excited to announce the birth of another male baby alpaca, also known as a cria, born to mother Illuminati and father Havoc on Aug. 22. This marks the second – ever alpaca birth at LV Zoo — the first being the cria’s brother, Buzz, born to the same parents nearly one year prior on Sept. 12, 2023.

An examination was performed by the zoo’s veterinarian team on Aug. 23, and it was determined the newborn is a healthy male, weighing 13.6 Ib.

Illuminati and her cria spent the first few days in the barnyard shelter stalls to allow for bonding, nursing and rest. This time allowed for the cria to gain strength and master his mobility skills. Since Aug. 26, both have been out on exhibit during the day with the rest of the barnyard animals. LV Zoo’s animal care staff had been closely monitoring Illuminati for signs of pregnancy. Alpaca gestation typically lasts around 11-12 months.

Six-year-old Illuminati and eight-year-old Havoc arrived at LV Zoo together in October 2022 from a private facility for breeding purposes. Alpacas are native to the central and southern Andes Mountains, from Peru to Argentina and are the smallest of the domesticated camelid species.

The new alpaca still needs a name. In partnership with LVHN, LV Zoo is hosting a naming contest on Facebook next week — allowing guests and followers the opportunity to decide the final official name by voting for their favorite finalist.

LVHN is the Official Motherhood Partner of the Lehigh Valley Zoo.

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LV Zoo is set to host another exciting Labor Day weekend, which gets underway Friday with School Spirit Day. All guests wearing their school or college merchandise will receive a $3 discount off an adult or child general admission ticket. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the zoo hosts its 8th-annual Food Truck Festival, presented by Whitetail Disposal. With a standard general admission, guests have the opportunity to purchase offerings from a variety of local food trucks with different options available each day of this event. A complete listing is available on the event website here. Additionally, guest 21+ with a valid ID, will have the chance to purchase alcoholic beverages from Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild members, Funk Brewing Company on Saturday and Five Maidens Cider Company on Sunday.

LV Zoo is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at lvzoo.org.

 

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Lehigh Valley Health Network is now a part of Jefferson
Nationally ranked, Jefferson, which is principally located in the greater Philadelphia region, Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey, is reimagining health care and higher education to create unparalleled value. Jefferson is more than 65,000 people strong, dedicated to providing the highest-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients; making our communities healthier and stronger; preparing tomorrow’s professional leaders for 21st-century careers; and creating new knowledge through basic/programmatic, clinical and applied research. Thomas Jefferson University, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson College of Nursing, and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, dates back to 1824 and today comprises 10 colleges and three schools offering 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 8,300 students. Jefferson Health, nationally ranked as one of the top 15 not-for-profit health care systems in the country and the largest provider in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas, serves patients through millions of encounters each year at 32 hospitals and more than 700 outpatient and urgent care locations throughout the region. Jefferson Health Plans is a not-for-profit managed health care organization providing a broad range of health coverage options in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for more than 35 years.

###

As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been 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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

— SmartFun—

 

 

HELPING OUR ANIMALS BEAT THE HEAT

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
June  18, 2024

HELPING OUR ANIMALS BEAT THE HEAT

 


As summer heats up, we wanted to share with you the various ways our zookeepers are working to keep our animals safe and cool this season.Next time you visit us, you may notice water misters, ice treats, kiddie pools and extra shaded areas in many of the exhibits. These additions help our animals stay cool and comfortable as the summer progresses. You may also notice that many animals have access to their indoor habitats, giving them the choice of whether they want to spend their time outside or in their cool indoor habitats to beat the heat!Many of our animals are well-adapted to the heat, particularly our African and Australian species. You can often spot our giraffes, oryx, elands, zebras, ostrich, emus, kangaroos, and wallabies sunbathing or leisurely strolling around their habitats in the summer. 

Other animals might prefer to stay indoors or in shaded areas, like our red pandas, making them a bit harder to spot. However, if you look carefully, you may be able to see them hanging out in their bamboo hut or through the viewing window of their indoor habitat!

###

As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game 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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

— SmartFun—

 

 

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO WELCOMES A PAIR OF RED PANDAS

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
June  29, 2024

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO WELCOMES A PAIR OF RED PANDAS
Brothers Cosmo and Meeko will Debut in their New Habitat on June 7


(Schnecksville, Pa.) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of two red pandas, Cosmo and Meeko. The pair will debut at the public Grand Opening of Rothrock Red Panda Peak, the LV Zoo’s brand-new red panda habitat, on FridayJune 7. The zoo will open at 9 a.m. for zoo members only and to all other guests at the normal time of 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at lvzoo.org.

Cosmo and Meeko arrived from Alabama’s Birmingham Zoo as part of a recommendation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSP programs are led by expert advisors who work cooperatively with AZA zoos and aquariums to manage animal populations to safeguard the survival of many of the planet’s threatened and endangered species. The nearly one-year-old red panda brothers will celebrate their first birthday on May 31. The pair is currently behind the scenes until the Grand Opening. The zoo’s animal care team has noted that Cosmo is very outgoing and curious while Meeko is a bit shyer and more reserved, but both are adjusting well.

More significantly, LV Zoo is proud to play a key role in a new five-year program designed for red panda conservation. The AZA, the zoo’s accrediting body, recently added red pandas to its Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program – which uses the collective expertise within AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and leverages their massive audiences to save endangered species in their natural habitat. With the importance of local communities to red panda conservation, LV Zoo’s inclusion in this SAFE program can positively impact red pandas around the world. 

Red pandas are an endangered species, with a population reported to be less than 10,000 in the wild. Providing a home for red pandas supports LV Zoo’s vision of conserving species while educating guests about the importance of wildlife conservation. As part of this project, LV Zoo will support Red Panda Network, a conservation organization located in Nepal that works directly with local communities, empowering the people who live alongside red pandas to secure sustainable livelihoods and live harmoniously with local wildlife.

Completion of the new habitat was made possible by the support of DavidPatrina and Kian Rothrock. The community can still support LV Zoo’s red pandas by visiting lvzoo.org/red-panda. All individual donors who contribute at least $500 will receive recognition on exhibit signage. LV Zoo is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on the support of our community to operate and expand.

LV Zoo is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at lvzoo.org.

###

As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game 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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

— SmartFun—

 

 

GRAND OPENING OF ROTHROCK RED PANDA PEAK SET FOR JUNE 7

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
May 21, 2024


GRAND OPENING OF ROTHROCK RED PANDA PEAK SET FOR JUNE 7

LV Zoo’s New Red Panda Exhibit Opens for Guests at 10 a.m.


(Schnecksville, Pa.) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is excited to announce the Grand Opening of its newest exhibit, Rothrock Red Panda Peak, is set for FridayJune 7, when the zoo opens to the public at 10 a.m. This marks the first time red pandas, an endangered species, will reside at LV Zoo.

The modern habitat was designed to meet the standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the zoo’s accrediting body, as well as to maximize the welfare of red pandas. LV Zoo worked in conjunction with D&S Elite Construction, Inc. to build an exhibit that provides guests with an up-close experience and the ability to learn about the plight of this endangered species.

Completion of the project was made possible by the support of DavidPatrina and Kian Rothrock.

Red pandas have a population reported to be fewer than 10,000 in the wild due to deforestation, poaching, accidental trapping, and illegal pet trade. Providing a home for red pandas at LV Zoo supports the zoo’s vision of partnering with the community to be a leader in conservation education and action. The community can still support LV Zoo’s red pandas by visiting lvzoo.org/red-panda. All individual donors who contribute at least $500 will receive recognition on exhibit signage. LV Zoo is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on the support of our community to operate and expand.

Rothrock Red Panda Peak is LV Zoo’s second new exhibit in as many years after the opening of Habitat Madagascar — which houses mongoose lemurs, red ruffed lemurs and tortoises – on May 26, 2023.

Beginning on June 7, guests can visit the red pandas and all current LV Zoo residents seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at lvzoo.org.

###

As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game 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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

— SmartFun—

 

 

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO’S RED PANDA HABITAT CONSTUCTION IS UNDERWAY

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
March  13, 2024

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO’S RED PANDA HABITAT CONSTUCTION IS UNDERWAY
D&S Elite Construction, Inc. Anticipates Project Completion by Late Spring


(Schnecksville, PA) –Lehigh Valley Zoo, in conjunction with project manager D&S Elite Construction, Inc., is excited to announce that construction of the zoo’s new habitat for red pandas is underway. The exhibit is expected to be completed for a Grand Opening later this spring.

The location, which previously housed the North American prairie dogs, has been reimagined for a habitat designed to meet the standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the zoo’s accrediting body, as well as to maximize the welfare of red pandas.

“D&S Elite Construction, Inc. is excited for the opportunity to collaborate with the Lehigh Valley Zoo and a talented team of tradespeople to create this remarkable habitat for the Red Panda,” said Allen Butler, D&S Elite Construction’s Vice President of Construction, Inc. “We are eager to develop and construct an exhibit that not only provides visitors with a personal and up-close experience, but also contributes to educating the community about the plight of this endangered species for generations to come.”


LV Zoo President and CEO Amanda Shurr added, “This is an exciting time for the Lehigh Valley Zoo and we are happy to work together with D&S Elite Construction to bring this new species to our zoo. We are thrilled to play a role in the conservation of this endangered species and to offer our community the opportunity to learn about red pandas and observe them in a modern habitat.”

Red pandas have a population reported to be fewer than 10,000 in the wild as a result of deforestation, poaching, accidental trapping, and illegal pet trade. Providing a home for red pandas at LV Zoo supports the zoo’s vision of partnering with the community to be a leader in conservation education and action.

As part of its master plan, LV Zoo intends to further grow the zoo with species from the Himalayan region as they are temperature-hardy and will be able to handle the North American climate year-round. These new species will continue to provide the opportunity for the Lehigh Valley community to learn about the natural world around us and, hopefully, support the zoo in its ongoing conservation efforts.

The community is encouraged to support LV Zoo’s red pandas by visiting lvzoo.org/red-panda. All individual donors who contribute at least $500 will receive recognition on exhibit signage. LV Zoo is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on the support of our community to grow and prosper.

Guests can visit current LV Zoo residents seven days a week during its current winter hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beginning on April 1, the zoo extends to its in-season hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at lvzoo.org.

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D&S Elite Construction, Inc., headquartered in Douglassville, Pa., is a full service general contracting company serving Lehigh, Berks, Chester, Montgomery, and neighboring counties. Specializing in both commercial and residential construction, D&S Elite Construction, Inc. works closely with homeowners and businesses to create beautiful, functional spaces tailored to individual needs. With a commitment to excellence, D&S Elite Construction, Inc. adheres to the highest industry standards, ensuring longevity and durability in every project. Employing industry-leading construction practices and utilizing top-quality materials designed to withstand the tests of time and usage, the company delivers unparalleled workmanship, exceptional service and elite results that will last for generations. This dedication to quality craftsmanship and enduring outcomes is encapsulated in their tagline, “Your Legacy Builder™.” https://www.dseliteconstruction.com

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As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game 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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

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— SmartFun—