Murphy Fighting the Great Fight at The Lehigh Valley Zoo

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
October 24, 2019
Schnecksville, PADuring the winter of 2018, the Lehigh Valley Zoo announced they were closing the Giraffe barn to guests through the winter months. This was done to ensure optimal temperature for our giraffe’s health, as Murphy was showing signs of not feeling well.  After a great deal of testing, it was found that Murphy has crystal build up in his urine; which is a sign of stone development.  Stones in the urinary tract are a significant issue for geriatric male giraffes, in most cases leading to the passing of the animal.

   The Lehigh Valley Zoo professionals have an aggressive medical plan for Murphy – not only to help him when a stone is present, but also to prevent stones from forming. 

   President & CEO of the Lehigh Valley Zoo Melissa Lindenmuth states, “The last year has been tough for Murphy.  Being that Murphy is a senior giraffe, health issues are expected; however, it does not make it any easier.  Murphy is not only loved by the Lehigh Valley Zoo staff, but by the community as well.  The highlight of my day is walking the zoo and seeing Murphy’s kind face.  We will continue to monitor his progress and treat health issues, however, we also have to ensure he is comfortable and, if needed, help him through an end of life plan.  Murphy may happily live with us for weeks or even years but at some point this issue is likely to be fatal for giraffes.  We ask that you think of Murphy in his time of need, show him lots of love when you come to the Lehigh Valley Zoo, and understand when we have to keep Murphy off exhibit for medical care for he has needed to be off exhibit more and more often over the last few months.”

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As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but as a treasured community landmark, the Zoo’s history spans over a century. Founded in 1906 by General Harry C. Trexler, a local industrialist, the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game Preserve has 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. With 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 @LVZOO

LVZoo featured on Adventures with Julien

Our Chief Operating Office, Matt Provence, recently met up with Julien Guiteau of Adventures with Julien to chat about how the Zoo is making a positive impact on families and our community! Julien also got a chance to learn some interesting facts from one of our Zookeepers, Kayla Hollahan, and one of our Conservation Educators, Hannah Beville. Check it out!

The Lehigh Valley Zoo would like to thank Julien for coming out and chatting with some of our dedicated staff!

Section of PA 309 Closed September 7 & 8

Attention Lehigh Valley Zoo Guests – Please be advised that roadwork is scheduled on PA 309 from Friday 9/6 at 7 PM until Monday 9/9 at 6 AM. This may affect Saturday and Sunday traffic to and from the Zoo.

PA 309 will be closed from Chapmans Road to Snowdrift Road. If this will affect your commute to Lehigh Valley Zoo, please use the suggested alternative routes below or follow the posted PennDOT detour signs leading to Route 100.


From I-78 Westbound:

  • MERGE onto PA Route 309 North using the two right lanes (just past Dorney Park).
  • FOLLOW Route 309 North for about 2 miles to Ridgeview Drive.
  • Turn RIGHT onto Ridgeview Drive for about a mile and then turn LEFT onto Huckleberry Road.
  • Continue for a mile on Huckleberry Road until you arrive back at PA Route 309 North.
  • Turn RIGHT onto PA Route 309 North and continue for 4 miles.
  • Turn LEFT onto Game Preserve Road and continue to your destination.

From I-78 Eastbound:

  • Take exit 49B to MERGE onto PA Route 100 North.
  • Continue for 3 miles and turn RIGHT onto Kernsville Road.
  • Continue on Kernsville Road for about 1 mile and take a SLIGHT LEFT onto Horseshoe Road.
  • In about 500 feet, take a SHARP LEFT turn onto Weidasville Road.
  • CONTINUE on Weidasville Road for about a mile and a half until you reach Game Preserve Road.
  • Turn RIGHT onto Game Preserve Road and continue to your destination.

From US-22 Westbound (toward Harrisburg):

  • Take the Cedar Crest Boulevard exit.
  • Keep RIGHT at the fork and merge onto North Cedar Crest Blvd.
  • CONTINUE on North Cedar Crest Blvd for about 3 miles.
  • Turn LEFT onto Mauch Chunk Road and continue for a mile.
  • Turn LEFT onto Sand Springs Road and continue for 2 miles until you reach PA Route 309.
  • Turn RIGHT onto PA Route 309 heading north for 0.2 miles.
  • Turn LEFT onto Game Preserve Road and continue to your destination.

From US-22 Eastbound (towards Allentown):

  • Take the exit for PA 309 N.
  • FOLLOW Route 309 North for about 0.5 mile to Ridgeview Drive.
  • Turn RIGHT onto Ridgeview Drive for about a mile and then turn LEFT onto Huckleberry Road.
  • Continue for a mile on Huckleberry Road until you arrive back at PA Route 309 North.
  • Turn RIGHT onto PA Route 309 North and continue for 4 miles.
  • Turn LEFT onto Game Preserve Road and continue to your destination.

From 476:

  • Take Exit 56 toward Allentown.
  • After toll booth, MERGE right onto US-22 East toward Allentown.
  • In about a mile, take the exit for PA 309 N.
  • FOLLOW Route 309 North for about 0.5 mile to Ridgeview Drive.
  • Turn RIGHT onto Ridgeview Drive for about a mile and then turn LEFT onto Huckleberry Road.
  • Continue for a mile on Huckleberry Road until you arrive back at PA Route 309 North.
  • Turn RIGHT onto PA Route 309 North and continue for 4 miles.
  • urn LEFT onto Game Preserve Road and continue to your destination.

Visit PennDOT.gov for updates related to this road closure.

Build-A-Zoo Barn Grand Opening on Friday 7/26!

Check out the grand opening of Lehigh Valley Zoo’s brand new Build-A-Zoo Barn on Friday, July 26!

Our Build-A-Zoo Barn will have a grand opening this Friday, July 26 and will feature $1 hotdogs from 11AM-1PM*!

The Build-A-Zoo Barn will offer guests the new and unique experience of creating their own plush versions of Animal Ambassadors that they can imbue with conservation focused messages. Stop by during the grand opening to be among the first to take home a one-of-a-kind keepsake and join the conservation conversation!

*While supplies last.

Hanging out with a Sloth – WNEP 16

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
March 31, 2019
Wilkes-Barre, PA – Check out the news feature about our Education Department on WNEP.com!

Our education department brought the two-toed sloth, Bean, and his friends to the Art Party Place in Wilkes-Barre last Sunday. Visitors got to meet Bean and his friends, learn a little about each of the animals, and then had the opportunity to create their own paintings!

Lehigh Valley Zoo closed this Wed 01/30 and Thu 01/31

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
January 16, 2019
Schnecksville, PA – Due to inclement weather affecting the Lehigh Valley area and concern for the safety of our guests and our animals, Lehigh Valley Zoo will be closed this Wednesday (January 30) and Thursday (January 31).

Visit Weather.gov to stay current on this week’s developing forecast.

Zoo Giraffe Given Exceptional Care at Lehigh Valley Zoo

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
January 16, 2019
Schnecksville, PA – Lehigh Valley Zoo has a few animals who are older and receive advanced care.   The Dromedary Camels and the Palomino Horses are among our oldest animals.  Just last year, Lexy, our Canada Lynx, passed away at nearly 19 years of age, the oldest living lynx on record with the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) lynx population.  To address the additional needs of its aging animals, the Lehigh Valley Zoo’s animal care team regularly examines the older animals and makes adjustments to their daily living to accommodate their needs as they age.

Murphy, our Masai Giraffe, is one of the animals to which we pay particular attention.  Murphy, at age 18, and despite his youthful and vibrant personality, is considered a more senior Giraffe amongst the Masai breed.  This past weekend Murphy was a bit lethargic and this gave us some concern.  Due to Murphy’s age, our zoo team is taking extra precautions.    Murphy is being cared for around the clock by our highly trained animal care team and our very experienced veterinary staff to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.  Also, our team is in touch with additional Masai Giraffe experts across the country so that no stone is unturned in our care for Murphy as he experiences this change in his health status.

In an attempt to create an optimal temperature for Murphy we are temporarily halting visitors viewing our giraffe in the barn vestibule.  Just as a human will seek a quiet, warm bedroom and no interruptions when sick, we want to give the same quiet, warm environment to Murphy.  Opening and closing the barn door for visitors causes variations in temperature.

“Murphy is such an amazing giraffe, as many of you are affectionately aware,” said CEO and President Melissa Borland.  “Any variation of health or behavior demonstrated by any of our animals puts the staff in a heightened-care plan process, which they are doing a great job implementing.  I hope you will join us in putting him in your thoughts as we work on improving Murphy’s health.”

If you would like to send Murphy a “get well soon” wish, please post your favorite picture of Murphy on our Facebook comments and enter your wishes in the comment section.  We will keep everyone apprised of Murphy’s health.


About the Lehigh Valley Zoo

As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but as a treasured community landmark, the Zoo’s history spans over a century. Founded in 1906 by General Harry C. Trexler, a local industrialist, the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game Preserve has 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. With 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.