SOUDERTON, Pa., March 28, 2018 – Univest Corporation recently awarded $75,000 to nine educational organizations in Lehigh County that qualify for the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. The donations will be used to support educational improvement programs and scholarships for kindergarten through 12^th grades. Ultimately, these funds will provide public schools with innovative programming to enhance learning opportunities and allow private schools to offer need-based scholarships to give families the opportunity to provide a faith-based education that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.

Supporting the local communities it serves is at the heart of Univest’s corporate culture. It’s Committed to Local philanthropic program includes corporate financial support, employee volunteerism and employee leadership through board and committee service. In 2017, Univest donated more than $1.8 million to 544 charitable organizations across its service area and 57% of those donations went directly to support youth and education. Additionally, Univest employees educated 4,578 students and community members through a variety of financial literacy programs and partnerships and volunteered 19,152 hours serving local nonprofits.

About Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania
Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania (UVSP), including its wholly-owned subsidiary Univest Bank and Trust Co., has approximately $4.6 billion in assets and $3.5 billion in assets under management and supervision through its Wealth Management lines of business as of December 31, 2017. Headquartered in Souderton, Pa. and founded in 1876, the Corporation and its subsidiaries provide a full range of financial solutions for individuals, businesses, municipalities and nonprofit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Univest delivers these services through a network of more than 50 offices in southeastern Pennsylvania extending to the Lehigh Valley and Lancaster, as well as in New Jersey and Maryland and online at www.univest.net.

Schnecksville, PA, March 6, 2018: Lehigh Valley Zoo announced that the horrific storm on Friday, March 2nd severely damaged the entrance sign to the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Understandably, it will be costly to replace the sign. The damage comes at an awkward time in the zoo’s plans and finances. The zoo had planned to relocate and redesign the entrance to be ADA accessible by the close of 2018. Spending scarce funds to replace the damaged sign only to relocate the entrance six-nine months later is not a prudent use of resources. “We are disheartened that our sign was destroyed.” Said Melissa Borland, President and CEO of Lehigh Valley Zoo, “On the other hand, it gives us an opportunity to share our long-term goal of creating a disability-friendly entrance. With the community’s help, we hope to accelerate our timeline for relocating our entrance.”

The current entrance to the zoo, located at the crest of a steep hill that, although picturesque, is difficult for those with wheelchairs, canes, and strollers to negotiate. To address the obstacles created by the hill, the zoo planned to relocate the entrance to the west side of the zoo in late 2018. The land on west side of the zoo is flat, and an entrance gate at that point of the zoo has visitors entering across from the lively and active North American river otters with its stadium seating. Along with the flat surface which is better for those with mobility challenges, the new entrance provides access for wheelchairs. Additionally, it includes space for a facility for charging and storing mobile scooters for those needing support to traverse the zoo property. An added benefit of the relocated entrance is that it will be safer for those with strollers and toddlers learning to walk. “We want the Lehigh Valley Zoo to be inclusive of all members of our community.” Added Melissa Borland, “This relocation will insure the entrance to the zoo is ADA accessible.”

Donations are being accepted to help fund the re-designed entrance, its costs estimated at $75,000. If you would like to support the Front Entrance Renovation Project, please contact Doreen Carl at 610-799-4171, ext. 232, by email at dcarl@lvzoo.org, or visit lvzoo.org/entrance.

Lehigh Valley Zoo is located at 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078.

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.

On February 21, 2017, The Neffs National Bank (Neffs, PA) presented donations to the Parkland School District Education Foundation ($20,000), the Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation ($20,000), Lehigh Carbon Community College Foundation ($20,000), Northern Lehigh School District Educational Foundation ($20,000), the Wildlands Conservancy, Inc. ($10,000) and the Lehigh Valley Zoological Society ($10,000).  The donations were made in part through the bank’s participation in the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program.  The program authorizes tax credit for contribution to Educational Improvement Organizations.

Kevin Schmidt, President/CEO of The Neffs National Bank, mentioned that the bank has always valued community relationships and is aware of the budgetary constraints that these organizations face.  The EITC program allows the bank to “earmark” their taxes to support these programs.  He hopes that these contributions will stimulate other business to participate in the program and assist qualifying organizations such as these.

Lehigh Valley Zoo January 15, 2018

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.”

Lehigh Valley Zoo is located at 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078.

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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.  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.

About AZA:
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and seven other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

Due to extreme low weekend temperatures, Lehigh Valley Zoo will be closed during daytime hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, January 5-7. We will open again on Monday, January 8 weather permitting.

Otters get more natural river habitat, zoo guests get more viewing options

October 9, 2017, Schnecksville, PA – Lehigh Valley Zoo is renovating its North American otter exhibit, enhancing guest viewing while creating a more natural environment for the otters in hopes of promoting an otter pregnancy.

Lehigh Valley Zoo guests love watching the playful antics of river otters.  As a visitor on Facebook posted: “I love the otters! They are my favorite when I visit the LV zoo. So cute and comical”.   However, North American river otters have nearly disappeared from lakes and rivers around the world. Once inhabiting nearly all large rivers, river otters have been hunted for their thick, waterproof fur. In addition, water pollution affects otters by killing their natural prey, fish, severely reducing many species’ populations.  Lehigh Valley Zoo participates in the AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP) to repopulate otters into the wild.  To that end, Lehigh Valley Zoo was recommended by the SSP to breed our two otters, Naya and Luani.  River otters have historically been difficult to breed, but new research and success at other zoos over the past several years has inspired us at Lehigh Valley Zoo to promote breeding for Naya and Luani.

The current otter habitat has provided a home for otters for over two decades.  While it has provided a good home for our otters, it needs an upgrade both to address leaking pipes, but more importantly to create an environment that simulates a natural river life that promotes otter breeding.

The Otter exhibit renovation project is expected to cost $40,000.  The otter’s water filtration system will be upgraded to a highly efficient and powerful system that will significantly improve the water quality in the otter moat.  This system will also provide currents of water in the moat so that Naya and Luani can actively swim and play in moving water.  This is important to stimulate healthy activity levels and interactions between the two otters.   As renovations continue, Lehigh Valley Zoo guests will see the addition of specially created logs, trees, and rocks to the water area of the otter exhibit.  The addition of the underwater structures will stimulate important natural behaviors.  The structures provide an underwater “playground” for the otters to showcase their natural abilities, such as twisting and turning through root systems and picking up rocks underwater to find food.  The Lehigh Valley Zoo keepers expect the renovations to the filter system and the addition of the underwater structures will encourage Naya and Luani to create a family.

Our otters are not the only ones who will benefit from the planned renovations.   Periscopes will be installed that allow zoo guests to watch Naya and Luani as they play in their new underwater playground.

“It’s important that we provide animals with habitats that are natural and that ensure they are thriving and not just surviving.” Said Melissa Borland, President/CEO of Lehigh Valley Zoo.  “When this project is complete the otters will have more natural swimming options and our guests will have more viewing options.”

The Swain School has made a significant contribution by sponsoring the exhibit.   Arrow Masters has offered generous pricing for the work on the filtration system.  To complete the project another $20,000 is needed.  If you would like to make a donation to the Otter Habitat Renovation, please contact Doreen Carl at 610-799-4171, ext. 232, by email at dcarl@lvzoo.org, and on our website: www.lvzoo.org

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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.

Contact | Melissa Borland Lehigh Valley Zoo Telephone | 610-799-4171 ext. 226 Fax | 610-570-3536 Email | pfox@lvzoo.org October 2, 2017

Lehigh Valley Zoo Announces Donation to Giraffe Conservation Foundation Significant step in strategic goal of supporting global wild animal conservation Schnecksville, PA – The Lehigh Valley Zoo announced today that it achieved a milestone in its long-range strategy of supporting wild animal conservation around the world by donating $11,152 to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. Lehigh Valley Zoo was able to make this donation because of the community’s outpouring of support for Murphy, the Lehigh Valley Zoo giraffe, and our guests’ love of this endangered species. Over 17,000 people experienced the Masai Giraffe feeding deck in its first three months of operation. Giraffe feeding ticket sales for June, July and August 2017 were tabulated – 100% of June proceeds and 10% of July and August proceeds comprise the funds for the $11,152 donation to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. Moving forward, 10% of the monthly feeding ticket sales will continue to be donated to giraffe conservation efforts. “Our strategic plan is to safeguard wild animals in our care alongside supporting efforts to sustain endangered animals in the wild”, said Lehigh Valley Zoo president Melissa Borland. “We celebrate that Lehigh Valley Zoo guests enable us to contribute to the critical work of saving wild giraffes.” As a thank you for helping make this donation to giraffe conservation possible, the zoo announced that free giraffe conservation pins will be given to the first 700 zoo guests on Saturday and Sunday, October 7th & 8th. Since 1980 there has been a 40% drop in the giraffe population and giraffes are now considered an endangered species. The primary threats to the Masai Giraffe is habitat loss as a result of expanding human populations and poaching. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Africa that monitors and tracks giraffes in the wild, educates local governments and citizens on ways to protect the giraffe’s environment, and campaigns globally to raise awareness regarding the giraffe’s endangered status. Thomas Leiden, President, Giraffe Conservation Foundation USA, upon receiving the donation wrote back, “Please thank everyone for their dedication and hard work to save giraffe in Africa. This donation will make a difference.” Lehigh Valley Zoo is located at 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078.

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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.