The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) today announced that Lehigh Valley Zoo was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.

“The Association of Zoos and Aquariums only accredits zoos and aquariums that meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “When people visit Lehigh Valley Zoo, they can be assured that they are supporting a facility that is a leader in the care and conservation of wildlife.”

To be accredited, Lehigh Valley Zoo underwent a thorough review to ensure it has and will continue to meet rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.

The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution’s operation, including animal care; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and other areas.  Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal hearing of AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied.  Any institution that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission’s decision is made.

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.

As a non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoo is eleven years young, but as a treasured community landmark, our history spans over a century.  Lehigh Valley Zoo, located in the heart of the Trexler Nature Preserve, is home to more than 325 animal ambassadors representing over 125 species.    The Zoo’s animal collection includes 22 species collectively managed through Species Survival Plan Program™ (SSP), administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  As a means to share important conservation messaging with Zoo guests and contribute to field conservation, the Zoo contributes to, participates in, and initiates wildlife conservation programs at home and in the field.  The Zoo’s full-circle conservation projects spotlight: Spotted Turtle (local), Eastern Spadefoot Toad (local), Mexican Gray Wolf (national), African Penguin (international), Scimitar-horned Oryx (international), Prehensile-tailed Porcupine (international), and Aoudad (international).

Source: AZA Press Release

Lehigh Valley Zoo has a new resident.  On September 11, a Prehensile Tailed Porcupine, also known as a Brazilian Porcupine, was born.  The baby porcupine is currently receiving care from Lehigh Valley Zoo education and veterinary staff.  This marks the second Lehigh Valley Zoo birth in the past year after a Scimitar Horned Oryx was born in April.

The Prehensile Tailed Porcupine (Coendou Prehensilis) is one of twenty-two species at the Zoo that are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP) program.  Prehensile-Tailed Porcupines live in forests between 150-2500 meters in elevation. They occur both in coastal and Amazonian areas of Peru. This species dwells in rainforest type habitats. Deforestation is taking place in these rain forested areas to grow crops. This is causing an area previously very diverse in species to become less inhabitable to animals.  As part of the SSP initiative, the baby porcupine will eventually be transferred to another zoo to be part of the organization’s breeding program.

Guests can visit Lehigh Valley Zoo every day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. General Admission tickets at $13.00 for adults, $12.00 for seniors 65 years and older, and $11.00 for children ages 2-11.  Lehigh Valley Zoo is located at 5150 Game Preserve Road, P.O. Box 519, Schnecksville, PA 18078.

Lehigh Valley Zoo will be closing at 12PM today, Monday May 3. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Those who purchased admission for Monday May 3 will be contacted with information about ticket transfers.