Lehigh Valley Zoo announces two penguin eggs have been laid

Lehigh Valley Zoo is pleased to announce that two penguin eggs have been laid and are being tended by our mating couple of African penguins, named Thulani and Greer, within the Zoo’s Jaindl Penguin Pavilion. This is an exciting and hopeful time for Zoo staff and conservationists worldwide, as this arrival of potential hatchlings marks a planned step in the endangered penguins’ Species Survival Plan (SSP).

As conservation programs, SSPs are designed to maintain sustainable populations in accredited zoos and aquariums and where there is need and suitable habitat, they also provide for reintroduction of species into the wild. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Lehigh Valley Zoo is a cooperating facility for AZA’s SSP for the African penguin. All African penguins at Lehigh Valley Zoo are designated as part of this SSP, and Thulani and Greer were earmarked by the program for breeding based on their known genetics.

Greer

To facilitate the breeding process, “The Lehigh Valley Zoo Animal Care team established Thulani and Greer with a situation that would allow them to bond and then provided materials the birds would need for nesting,” explained Richard Rosevear, General Curator at the Zoo. “The pair did, in fact, mate and produce eggs. Animal Care monitors the birds to ensure they properly care for the eggs.”

African penguins are monogamous and typically mate for life—and these proud parents take turns with nesting duties and will also share in care of the hatchlings when they arrive. African penguin eggs have an incubation period of about 38 to 42 days and chicks are expected to leave the nest within 60 to 130 days.

“All is well and Thulani and Greer both tend the eggs,” reports Rosevear. “Thulani has brought food to Greer when she has stayed on the nest. The penguins will continue to be monitored through incubation and hatching to make sure the chicks’ care is maintained.”

African penguins are an endangered species and their populations have shown a sharp decline over the past 100 years. Penguin eggs are under multiple threats in the wild, including habitat destruction and nest abandonment. Without the conservation efforts of organizations like AZA and Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), penguin population numbers would continue to decline. AZA and 50 accredited zoos and aquariums collectively manage 800 African penguins in safe environments as an assurance population (to prevent extinction) and facilitate carefully planned breeding to bolster the population. SANCCOB efforts include the rescue, rehabilitation, hand-raising and release of abandoned, injured, ill or oiled African penguins, eggs and chicks.

While there are never any guarantees in these situations, the public is encouraged to check social media and the Zoo’s website for any announcements regarding the progress of these potential hatchlings. “We are hopeful that these are two viable eggs and that the Zoo will be able to announce good news in coming weeks,” stated Zoo President, Melissa Borland.

 

Lehigh Valley Zoo Welcomes a Baby Bison to the Herd

The Lehigh Valley Zoo recently welcomed another new addition to the family. A baby bison (calf) was born on the land surrounding the Zoo—the Trexler Nature Preserve—on the afternoon of May 19th. This joyous event not only intensifies the Zoo’s cuteness factor, but it carries unique significance because, only 10 days prior on May 9th, President Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act into law. The Act names the American Bison as the national mammal of the United States and places it in the ranks of the Bald Eagle— as a symbol of our country and a major conservation success story.

Bison

The calf and mom are being monitored by Lehigh Valley Zoo animal care staff as they roam the hillsides of the 1,100-acre Trexler Nature Preserve which surrounds the Zoo property. Lehigh Valley Zoo is contracted by Lehigh County to care for the elk and bison in the Trexler Nature Preserve. Also included in the County’s contract with the Zoo are palomino horses, which reside within the Zoo.

When asked about the health of the new baby, Richard Rosevear, General Curator at Lehigh Valley Zoo, noted the following. “The bison are, essentially, a wild herd of unpredictably temperamental animals. The Zoo’s animal care team is watching the calf and mother closely to ensure that they are thriving in their natural wild habitat. Our goal is to allow the mother and herd to take care of the calf on their own. To date, the calf appears to be doing well.”

Bison calves can weigh up to 40 or 50 pounds at birth and adults can range between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds. In contrast to the dark brown fur of adults, bison calves have reddish fur and can walk and even run within three hours of their birth. The baby and mother can be seen with the herd in the Preserve.

“President Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt, along with Lehigh County resident General Harry C. Trexler, were the original conservation leaders. General Trexler had the conservation wisdom to protect the American Bison from over hunting and created the Trexler Game Preserve. From 1911 through today, our County has been home to a herd of bison. The calf is a reminder of how our County supports protecting species from extinction,” stated a County representative. He continued by urging the public to, “Visit the Zoo, drive through the beautiful Preserve, see the bison, and remember to bring your camera.”

Lehigh Valley Zoo Welcomes Twin Toggenburg Goat Kids

The Lehigh Valley Zoo family now has two more adorable mouths to feed. After months of anticipation, the Zoo’s herd welcomed twin baby Toggenburg goats on May 11th—one male and one female. Weighing in at 3.8 and 3.9 kilograms, both little ones (kids) are healthy, happy, and growing quickly. Their mom, Dinah, is recovering well and demonstrates the typical characteristics of nurturing and hovering that are the hallmarks of new motherhood.

The Toggenburg is the oldest known breed of dairy goat, known for its high milk production and the Zoo now houses a herd of 5 adults and 2 kids of both Toggenburg and Nubian breeds.

The twins, along with mom, were introduced into the rest of the herd on Monday, May 16th and guests can get a peek at these loveable additions to the Zoo family by visiting the main yard at the goat barn. “Both kids enjoy spending time together, climbing on their mom and rocks, and sleeping in the sunlight. They’re very active and can often be seen exploring anything new in the yard,” shared Samantha Wegman, Lead Animal Keeper at the Zoo.

Zoo President, Melissa Borland stated, “Mom and kids are doing great. I can’t wait for guests to meet our newest family members.”

Both babies are also available for our Adopt an Animal program, which is a great way to support the Zoo and learn more about your favorite animals. For more information about our Adopt an Animal program, visit our website at www.lvzoo.org.

Melissa and baby goats

Lehigh Valley Zoo President, Melissa Borland, cuddles two newborn Toggenburg goat kids.

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 yearround, 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.

The zoo advances to Lehigh Valley Lunacy’s “Elite Eight”!

Lehigh Valley Zoo has the honor of advancing to the Elite Eight in Discover Lehigh Valley’s Lehigh Valley Lunacy contest! Thank you to all of our supporters who have been voting for us throughout the contest.

Lehigh Valley Lunacy is a bracket-style contest featuring 64 of the Valley’s attractions, restaurants, hotels and events. The contest culminates in a final Championship round on March 25-27, with the winner being announced on March 29.

Show your support for Lehigh Valley Zoo by voting and help us get to the Final Four!

Vote Now!

Vote for the zoo in Lehigh Valley Lunacy contest!

Lehigh Valley Zoo has made it to the “Sweet Sixteen” in Discover Lehigh Valley’s Lehigh Valley Lunacy!

Lehigh Valley Lunacy is a bracket-style contest featuring 64 of the Valley’s attractions, restaurants, hotels and events. The contest culminates in a final Championship round on March 25-27, with the winner being announced on March 29.

Show your support for Lehigh Valley Zoo by voting and help us get to the “Elite Eight”!

Vote Now!

Lehigh Valley Zoo Official Website Gets a Fresh New Look

We’re excited to introduce a freshly-revamped website.  In working with Red Ocean Creative, we redesigned the site to provide a more user-friendly experience for visitors to access the latest news, learn more about educational opportunities at the zoo and embrace our conservation message.  We are also making improvements in how people can contribute to the zoo, whether that be by buying tickets online, registering for memberships or adopting an animal, among other things.

This new site was slated to be a winter project for Lehigh Valley Zoo staff.  However, with significant interest in our current Winter Light Spectacular fundraising event, we wanted to roll out a soft launch of the site. Continuous enhancements will be communicated and we welcome your feedback.

Daytime at the Zoo this Month Features Educational Programming

Come behind the scenes to meet the Lehigh Valley Zoo Animal Ambassadors where they live in the Zoomagination Wing of the Administration Building! Open every day from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, you have the opportunity to visit a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians cared for by the Education staff. A staff member will be the in the room with you to answer questions, and may even take one of the animals out for some exercise or enrichment while you are here.

Our newest education program launched this year with great success is the Wonders of Wildlife show, an interactive and informative thirty-minute animal encounter. Three of our Ambassador Animals, which include native and exotic birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, will be presented by our professional Conservation Educators with information about their natural history, conservation, and things you can do to aid the species. Some animals are able to be touched, and all animals are welcome to be photographed. The show is at 1:00 pm every day, located in either the Zoomagination Wing of the Administration Building or the Amphitheatre behind the building. Admission is 3 tokens per person, children under 2 come free.

Winter Light Spectacular Ready for Bigger, Better Season Two

Lehigh Valley Zoo, as well as presenting sponsor Christmas Décor, are set to begin the second season of Winter Light Spectacular on Saturday, November 14.  Last season, the popular nighttime fundraiser for the Zoo attracted over 40,000 guests across 35 event nights.  This season’s Winter Light Spectacular will feature 33 scheduled event nights on Wednesday through Sunday from November 14, 2015, to January 3, 2016.

For the upcoming season, Lehigh Valley Zoo and Christmas Décor have enhanced the entire Winter Light Spectacular experience, raising the bar with new technology, more prominent displays and improved value to guests.

The biggest addition to this year’s event are Musical Light Shows, featuring themes around Star Wars, Frozen and Minions, as well as some classic holiday tunes.  Over 3,000 hours of programming went into these shows, which will have the best in lighting technology including RGB, LED and strobe.  These shows will take place in the Zoo’s Otter Stadium, which makes for an amazing 360-degree experience.

All in all, Winter Light Spectacular will feature nearly one million energy conserving lights, three state-of-the-art musical light shows, eight distinctly-themed display areas, popular holiday movies, cozy fire pits, giant snow globes, a live reindeer and treat stations featuring seasonal favorites s’mores and hot chocolate.  In addition, this special event will include an opportunity for professional photographs with Santa Claus in partnership with Dan’s Camera City.

In an effort to accommodate an expected increase in attendance this year, Lehigh Valley Zoo has partnered with LANta to provide bus transportation to Winter Light Spectacular on select Wednesdays and Fridays.  People are encouraged to check the LANta schedule for departure times and ticketing fees.

Winter Light Spectacular runs 5:30-10:00 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday from November 14, 2015, to January 3, 2016.  The event will be on break for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.  Tickets for this Lehigh Valley Zoo fundraiser are $14 for adults and $9 for children aged 2-11.  Lehigh Valley Zoo is located at 5150 Game Preserve Road, P.O. Box 519, Schnecksville, PA 18078.  For more information, please visit www.lvzoo.org.