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.

Murphy, the Masai Giraffe, Celebrates His 18th Birthday!

Lehigh Valley Zoo
December 17, 2018
Schnecksville, PA – On Monday, December 17th Murphy, the Masai Giraffe, celebrated his 18th birthday at the Lehigh Valley Zoo with adoring guests, cake, and his “little” buddy Tatu!

Guests signed a large birthday card for Murphy which expressed love for the gentle giant and his prominent presence at the zoo. As a special treat, Murphy received an enrichment cake made of leaf eater biscuits, peanut butter, honey, strawberries, and celery topped with 18 carrots to represent candles. He even shared with Tatu!

As part of the Species Survival Plan, Murphy and Tatu are ambassadors for their species to raise awareness about the declining populations of giraffes in the wild and the dangers of extinction. Currently, there are only about 32,000 Masai Giraffes in the wild.

Both a member of the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the Lehigh Valley Zoo is focused on the importance of conserving species and educating guests on pro-environmental behaviors. During the winter, the Lehigh Valley Zoo offers a Wintertime Animal Encounter Trail in the RAD Center, Nature Store, Zoomagination Wing, and Giraffe Vestibule where guests can learn about unique species and how to conserve for a greener future. Be sure to visit the Lehigh Valley soon and learn how you can help save species from extinction!

The Lehigh Valley Zoo, located at 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078, is open daily from 10:00AM to 3:00 PM. For more information on event schedules visit lvzoo.org or the Zoo’s Facebook page.

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. 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. Its mission is to create a safe, engaging and enlightening wildlife experience for guest of all ages.

Top 10 Must-Sees for Winter Light Spectacular!

Wish you could take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season and spend a nice night out with the family? Winter Light Spectacular at the Lehigh Valley Zoo (sponsored by Christmas Décor) is your holiday paradise! Tis the season of giving so you can feel merry and bright that your tickets benefit all of our beautiful animals and conservation programs right here in the Lehigh Valley.

Here are the top 10 must-sees at Winter Light Spectacular!

#1 – Lights, lights, and more lights!

Featuring over 1 million lights, you are sure to be dazzled by our largest fundraiser of the year for animal conservation. Light tunnels, signature scenes, and Who-Ville are just a few of the many beautiful displays around the zoo. New scenes are sure to enchant returning guests and spark joy in those visiting for the first time.

#2 – A stage built for a princess (or prince)!

Our princess stage will star Belle and Elsa who happily sing songs with everyone and encourage them to shine as their own inner princess or prince. Elsa and Belle will rotate nights of Winter Light Spectacular so check out our website and see who is performing!

#3 – Walking in a winter wonderland!

We have life-sized snow globes that offer the perfect photo opportunity to get that one of a kind photo. Looking for that perfect Christmas card opportunity? We’ve made it easy!

#4 – Did somebody say reindeer?

Santa’s reindeer will be stopping by the Lehigh Valley Zoo to keep an eye who’s naughty or nice! Don’t miss out on this seasonal opportunity as the reindeer will return to the North Pole after Winter Light Spectacular.

#5 – Santa! I know him!

Santa Clause will descend upon Winter Light Spectacular on November 16th for pictures every night of Winter Light Spectacular along with Dan’s Camera, the leading Santa photo provider!  Santa will be inside the zoo’s main office building as we transform our bison room into Santa’s village.

#6 – Want to sweeten the night?

Our hot coco and s’mores are sure to keep you toasty and warm this holiday season! Visit the Bison Prairie Grill to purchase this sweet deal as well other food varieties we have to offer. After a quick snack break, warm up by fire pits and enjoy the company of the ones you love.

#7 – So many friends to meet!

The Grinch, Woody, Buzz, Olaf, Minions and friends will be making a special appearance around the zoo with 3 new characters to see. With so many photo opportunities and friends to meet, it’s a sight you don’t want to miss!

#8 – Now that’s music to our ears!

Music during the holiday season is always a must have! Timed perfectly to our light displays, you can enjoy the magical experience of our Winter Light Spectacular to your favorite holiday tunes.

#9 – Crafts, Conservation, and Causes!

What better way to give back to conservation than making fun crafts for the holiday season?! Located in the General Store, we have DIY ornaments, holiday scratch ornaments, and make your own penguin bracelet. A portion of all penguin bracelet proceeds will be donated to SANCCOB, an organization in South Africa dedicated to African Penguin conservation and rehabilitation. The season of giving never felt so good!

#10 – Check out our website!

Want to skip the lines at the front the gate? Visit our website and purchase your tickets in advance for fast pass access! Plus, we have the answers to your Winter Light Spectacular questions: from pricing, to parking, to weather updates.

   Click here for more info!