Newsroom Lehigh Valley Zoo August 20, 2022 |
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LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO WELCOMES CODE, A COMMON ELAND Common Eland is a New Species at LV Zoo (Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of “Code,” a one-year-old Common Eland, from The Wilds in Columbus, Ohio. Common Eland are the second-largest species of antelope after the Giant Eland. Starting Aug. 20, guests will be able to observe Code in the Africa section of the Zoo, directly across from our Masai Giraffe and the Kiannala Feeding Deck. “Eland is a new species to LV Zoo and we, along with the Lehigh Valley community, are excited to welcome him and to learn more about him and the conservation of his species,” said Amanda Shurr, President and CEO. Code is currently one year old and is still growing. Once he reaches adulthood, he will weigh anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 pounds — roughly the same weight as our resident giraffes, Tatu and Joshua. These athletic antelope can jump great heights and have sustained running speeds of 20 mph when escaping predators. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums‘ cooperatively managed Species Survival Plan (SSP) 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. Based on the recommendation of the SSP, LV Zoo expects the arrival of two female Eland later this year and hopes to breed calves in the future. The Zoo’s future plans also include combining the habitats of the Eland and the Scimitar Horned Oryx, another of the Zoo’s African hoof stock. These animals live together in the wild, so by combining their habitats, the Zoo will enhance the welfare of each species while also educating guests about natural groupings. Upon his arrival, Code will be able to access all areas of his exhibit, including his behind the scenes space, to ensure he is comfortably welcomed to the Lehigh Valley. Guests wishing to visit Code and the other animals at the Zoo can purchase their tickets online on the Zoo’s website by visiting lvzoo.org/tickets. ### 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, we have educated and entertained 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. Through a mission to create a safe, engaging and enlightening wildlife experience for guests of all ages, the Zoo demonstrates leadership in the cultural, scientific and conservation communities. 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. |