Lehigh Valley Zoo Conservation Education Director Named to National Committee
Vatalaro Appointed to Association of Zoos & Aquariums Scientific Advisory Group

Schnecksville, PA – The Lehigh Valley Zoo announced today that Cher Vatalaro was selected to serve as a Steering Committee member on the Ambassador Animal Scientific Advisory Group (AASAG) sponsored by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).   “It is an honor to be named to the AASAG committee whose mission is to emphasize the importance of ambassador animals in education.” Said Cher Vatalaro, Conservation Education Director for the Lehigh Valley Zoo, “Meeting a wild animal up close frequently has a huge impact on people.  Fostering that one-on-one connection between people and ambassador animals is a passion of mine.”

Ambassador animals are the representatives of their species that are utilized in educational presentations both inside the zoo and out in the community.   Close bonds develop between the ambassador animals and the educators that care for them.  The educators bring the ambassador animals out to the public for one-on-one encounters. This encounter can often improve the person’s perspective about animals and conservation.  ASSAG is a growing field of research and study to set universal standards for the care of the ambassador animals as well as the care and safety of the animal and human interaction.  No longer is it acceptable for animals to “perform” in these interactions.  The goal is to create an interaction that is as natural as possible for the animal.  “For instance” said Cher, “I could hold a snake in my hands when I bring him out to a group of children or I could bring a glass case filled with sand and show the children how the snake tunnels into the ground.  Introducing the children to the snake in the sand is more natural and more educational. The AZA Advisory Group I’ve been named to will research and set standards for hundreds of animals across the country that are employed for educational purposes.”

The AZA Ambassador Animal Scientific Advisory Group has carved out the following initiatives for its work this year: 1) Establish best practices for Ambassador Animals, 2) Enhance sustainability of animal populations,   3) Support research on ambassador animals including welfare and the impact of ambassador animals messaging to the public,   and 4) review and establish national curriculum for the Program Animal Training Course.

“Our strategic plan is to safeguard wild animals in our care alongside supporting efforts to sustain endangered animals in the wild.” Said Zoo president, Melissa Borland.  “Cher Vatalaro’s appointment to this AZA committee acknowledges that Lehigh Valley Zoo’s leadership in conservation education and protection of endangered animals is recognized at a national level.”