LVZoo Mourns the Loss of Titan, 12-Year-Old Raccoon

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
April 14, 2023

(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is deeply saddened by the loss of 12-year-old raccoon, Titan, who has lived at the zoo for almost nine years.

 

Photo of Titan the raccoon dipping his foot into a small pool
Photo of Titan (credit Elizabeth Bernardo)

 

During his yearly exam this past October, Titan was diagnosed with a bladder tumor. Unfortunately, surgery was not an option in his case, and he began taking medications to help manage his condition. Veterinary and Animal Care staff closely monitored his condition and evaluated his welfare on a regular basis. The difficult decision was recently made to euthanize Titan when it became apparent that he was showing signs of discomfort and a diminished quality of life that could no longer be managed by medications.

 

Titan became a resident of LV Zoo in 2014 after authorities discovered him being kept as a personal pet. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to own a raccoon without the proper permits. When Titan came to the zoo, he was overweight after previously enjoying a diet that was not appropriate for a raccoon — including a regular treat of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The zoo’s Animal Care staff implemented a plan to get him to a healthy weight and engage him in a more active lifestyle. His favorite treats became grapes and cantaloupe, and he often seen interacting with his enrichment, especially his pool.

 

Titan was a popular resident at the zoo and a joy to watch climbing around, interacting with guests. He will be sorely missed. LV Zoo continues to have one other raccoon among its residents – Meeko, an 11-year-old female ambassador animal who is the feature of the racoon encounters offered at the zoo.

 

LV Zoo is open seven days per week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information and tickets are available at www.lvzoo.org.

 

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As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game Preserve, the mission of the Lehigh Valley Zoo is to connect its community with nature to empower people to protect wildlife. We have achieved our mission and educated 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. To learn more about Lehigh Valley Zoo, we invite you to visit our website, www.lvzoo.org, or follow us on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

River Otter Piper Joins Luani in Lehigh Valley Zoo Otter Habitat

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
March 30, 2023

River Otter Piper Joins Luani in Lehigh Valley Zoo Otter Habitat


(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is thrilled to announce that Piper, the North American River Otter that arrived at the zoo in early March, has completed her quarantine period and two weeks of introductions with the zoo’s current otter, Luani. Piper is now out on exhibit with Luani and will be making her public debut on Friday, March 31.

Piper, the North American River Otter

During her introduction process to Luani, zookeepers closely monitored the two otters to ensure they were comfortable with each other before being placed together on exhibit.

 

Meanwhile, the Zoo took the opportunity to make repairs to the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital North American River Otter Exhibit. These modifications will enhance the exhibit and create a more comfortable and enriching environment for both otters.

 

Piper has quickly settled into her new surroundings at LV Zoo and has shown a great enthusiasm for swimming, playing, and interacting with her new companion, Luani. The Zoo is excited to offer Piper a new home and to use her presence as an opportunity to educate visitors about the crucial role of conservation efforts in protecting otters and other wildlife.

 

Luani and Piper are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of threatened and endangered species in accredited zoos and aquariums. Luani has been alone in the exhibit since Naya passed away in December 2021 at the age of 14 years old, which exceeded the median life expectancy of North American river otters in the wild. As a member of the AZA, LV Zoo is committed to providing its animals with optimal welfare that allows them to thrive longer than their wild counterparts.

 

The LV Zoo is open daily from 10am to 4pm beginning April 1 and the zoo encourages visitors to come and visit Piper and Luani as they swim together in their exhibit. With the addition of Piper, the zoo now has two otters, providing double the fun for visitors.

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As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game Preserve, we have 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. Through 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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

LV Zoo Welcomes Piper, North American River Otter

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
March 15, 2023

The 8-Year-Old Female Otter will Soon Join Luani On Exhibit in April


(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is pleased to announce the addition of a female North American river otter named Piper. The 8-year-old otter arrived from the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and will soon be joining the Zoo’s current 10-year-old male otter, Luani, who has made LV Zoo home since 2017.

 

Piper, the North American River Otter. Photo courtesy of The Maryland Zoo.
Photo courtesy of The Maryland Zoo.

 

Piper has been quarantining off-exhibit since early March. On March 16, Luani also will join Piper off-exhibit to start a behind-the-scenes introduction process which is expected to take approximately two weeks. During this time, zookeepers will monitor the otters’ behavior and interactions closely to ensure a smooth transition.

 

“Our Zoo family is very excited to welcome Piper to the Lehigh Valley and for her to get to know our community,” said Amanda Shurr, President and CEO. “Our staff, volunteers, guests and — most importantly – Luani, have been waiting a little over a year for just the right female otter to join us.  This pairing is extra special because Luani and Piper are an approved breeding pair; so we hope we may welcome more otters in the future.”

 

Piper, the North American River Otter. Photo courtesy of The Maryland Zoo.
Photo courtesy of The Maryland Zoo

 

Luani and Piper are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of threatened and endangered species in accredited zoos and aquariums. Luani has been alone in the exhibit since Naya passed away in December 2021 at the age of 14 years old, which exceeded the median life expectancy of North American river otters in the wild. As a member of the AZA, LV Zoo is committed to providing its animals with optimal welfare that allows them to thrive longer than their wild counterparts.

 

During the introduction process, the Zoo will take the opportunity to make repairs to the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital North American River Otter Exhibit. These modifications will enhance the exhibit and create a more comfortable and enriching environment for both otters. 

 

Visitors can look forward to seeing Luani and Piper together once the introduction process is complete. Starting April 1, LV Zoo will be back to in-seasons hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days per week.

 

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As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game Preserve, we have 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. Through 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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

LV Zoo Welcomes Three New African Penguins to Colony

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
February 28, 2023

The Trio Can be Seen on Exhibit Seven Days per Week Starting March 1


(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of three new male African penguins to the Jaindl Penguin Pavilion. Cogsworth (age 6), LeFou (age 6) and Lumiere (age 3) arrived at the zoo in early February and were quarantined for a period of time to ensure their health and acclimation to their new environment. They joined the zoo’s 11 penguins on exhibit on Feb. 28 – making for a total of seven males and seven females in the colony.

 

3 African Penguins prepare to dive into their pond - From left to right: Lumiere, Cogsworth, LeFou
From left to right: Lumiere, Cogsworth, LeFou

 

Cogsworth, LeFou and Lumiere were transferred to LV Zoo from Maryland Zoo as part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP), which helps to manage and conserve threatened or endangered species populations in accredited institutions within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

 

Last year, LV Zoo completed a remodel of its penguin exhibit to enhance the penguins’ living environment and provide visitors with a more immersive experience, as the renovations included updating the façade of the building to give it a more authentic representation of the South African habitat. The plans were designed to encourage the penguins’ natural behavior, from swimming to nesting and rearing young. The addition of ramps provided the older penguins easier access to all areas of the habitat. 

 

Visitors can learn more about African penguins and see Cogsworth, LeFou, Lumiere and the rest of the penguin colony during their visit to LV Zoo. Starting March 1, the zoo is back to being open seven days per week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., weather permitting. The zoo will move to its in-season hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning April 1.

 

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As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game Preserve, we have 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. Through 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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

LVZoo Announces Renovations to Birds of Prey Exhibit

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
January 12, 2023

In Response to HPAI, New Roofing and Improved Netting Aim to Keep Birds Safe and On-Exhibit


(Schnecksville, PA) –With the abnormally high spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in 2022 and its continued presence in North American Atlantic flyway, Lehigh Valley Zoo has begun construction on permanent roofing over its Birds of Prey exhibit. The construction is part of the zoo’s commitment to keeping its birds safe from the highly transmissible and often fatal disease.

Birds of Prey exhibit at Lehigh Valley ZooAdditionally, LV Zoo will replace the current screens on the sides of the exhibit with improved mesh netting that will help prevent smaller, wild birds from entering the exhibits.

These upgrades are expected to be complete within 4-6 weeks and in plenty of time prior to the spring migration.

“Typically, outbreaks of HPAI are associated with wild bird migrations and resolve once the migratory season is over; unfortunately, this particular outbreak has never fully resolved, and we continue to see cases each month across the country in wild and domestic birds,” LV Zoo Chief Veterinarian Dr. Hilary Householder said. “The improvements to the Bird of Prey exhibit will lower our birds’ risk of exposure to the virus while reducing the impact that our increased biosecurity measures have on their daily lives – which allows them to remain in their normal enclosures in the face of this prolonged outbreak.”

The project, which will be done in sections, will keep some birds off-exhibit for a short period of time. Upon completion, these measures will benefit guests through the ability to keep birds of prey on-exhibit during such outbreaks. After reported cases of HPAI in close proximity this past November, LV Zoo moved the majority of its birds off-exhibit and to indoor spaces for several weeks in order to eliminate contact with wild birds on the property.

Earlier in 2022, LV Zoo’s collection of African penguins and lorikeets were kept off-exhibit for a three-month stretch, while barnyard birds and waterfowl remained off-exhibit the remainder of the year.

Photo of a Bald Eagle at Lehigh Valley ZooThe Birds of Prey exhibit features the following species: American Eagle, Barn Owl, Barred Owl, Black Vulture, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Red-Tailed Hawk, Snowy Oil and Turkey Vulture. Once the renovations are complete, LV Zoo will be adding both an additional Barn Owl and Barred Owl to the exhibit.

In January 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of HPAI in the U.S., along the North American Atlantic flyway. Since then, the spread of this HPAI outbreak has grown and cases have been confirmed in 49 of 50 states, both in commercial flocks and wild birds. HPAI is highly contagious among wild and domestic birds, causing extreme illness and death. As a result of the highly transmissible nature of HPAI, zoos throughout the country have implemented enhanced safety precautions to protect the birds in their care.

The roofing is being built by D&S Elite Construction of Douglassville, Pa.

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As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game Preserve, we have 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. Through 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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

In the WFMZ studio with Bean the Sloth and Monty the Angolan Python

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
December 31, 2022

(Schnecksville, Pa.) – Lehigh Valley Zoo CEO Amanda Shurr and Lehigh Valley Zoo Conservation Education Director Cher Vatalaro visited the WFMZ studio for 69 News at Sunrise this morning. Joining them were Monty the Angolan Python and fan-favorite animal ambassador Bean, the Linnaeus Two-Toed Sloth!

   View The Clip

Another Scimitar-Horned Oryx Calf Born at LV Zoo

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
November 23, 2022

Lehigh Valley Health Network is the Official Motherhood Partner of the LV Zoo


(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo, in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), has officially announced that another Scimitar-Horned Oryx calf has been born into the herd. LVHN is the Official Motherhood Partner of the LVZoo.

Mother oryx "Too Haute" with baby "Eclipse"On November 9th, Mother Too Haute gave birth to Eclipse. Both oryx are doing well and have spent time off-exhibit to bond with each other before joining the rest of the herd.

Oryx gestation lasts about nine months, after which a single calf is born, weighing approximately 20-30 pounds. The female separates herself from the herd for a few hours while she nurses the calf. Weaning starts at 3.5 months, and the young become fully independent around 14 weeks old.  

Scimitar-horned oryx calf "Eclipse"Since Scimitar-Horned Oryx are considered extinct in the wild, this is a huge celebration for the LVZoo, which is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a participant in the Species Survival Plan for scimitar-horned oryx. This means our Scimitar-horned Oryx are part of a breeding program where we help to maintain captive populations that are both genetically diverse and demographically stable.

By visiting the Lehigh Valley Zoo and other AZA member institutions, you’re supporting the highest level of animal care and welfare, along with the promotion of conservation of animals such as the Scimitar-horned Oryx.

Stay tuned for more information in the future as the calf continues to grow! A special thank you to Lehigh Valley Health Network who is the official motherhood partner of the Lehigh Valley Zoo.

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Lehigh Valley Health Network includes eight hospital campuses, three in Allentown, one in Bethlehem, one in East Stroudsburg, one in Hazleton and two in Pottsville, Pa.; Coordinated Health, which includes two hospital campuses, nearly two dozen multispecialty locations including ambulatory surgery centers and orthopedic injury centers in northeastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey; 26 health centers; numerous primary and specialty care physician practices; 22 ExpressCARE locations including the area’s only Children’s ExpressCARE; pharmacy, imaging, home health, rehabilitation and lab services; and preferred provider services through Valley Preferred. Specialty care includes: trauma care for adults and children, burn care at the Regional Burn Center; kidney and pancreas transplants; perinatal/neonatal, cardiac, cancer, orthopedics, neurology, complex neurosurgery capabilities including national certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, and robotic surgery in 10 specialties. Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute, Lehigh Valley Heart Institute and Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence physicians provide the most advanced treatments. Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute is a member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Alliance, an initiative that helps community providers improve the quality of cancer care and offers access to MSK clinical trials. Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, the community’s only children’s hospital, provides care in more than 30 specialties and general pediatrics. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest is the region’s only hospital nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for orthopedics and has been recognized among Pennsylvania’s top five hospitals for six consecutive years. Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest, LVH–17th Street and LVH–Muhlenberg are the region’s only Magnet® hospitals for nursing excellence. Additional information is available by visiting www.LVHN.org/motherhood, or following us on Facebook and Twitter.

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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.

Lehigh Valley Zoo Welcomes Two New Alpacas

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
November 17, 2022
Four-year-old alpaca "Illuminati"(Schnecksville, PA) – There are a few new faces in the Lehigh Valley Zoo Barnyard!  Four-year-old Illuminati and 6-year-old Havoc are adjusting well to their new surroundings since arriving earlier this month. Alpacas are native to the central and southern Andes Mountains from Peru to Argentina and are the smallest of the domesticated camelid species. 

Six-year-old alpaca "Havoc"They have joined the Zoo’s 15-year-old alpaca resident – White Lightning in the barnyard last week. Both the new alpacas have different personalities – Illuminati, the chocolate brown one, is reserved while Havoc, the light fawn one, has a strong personality according to LVZoo Keepers.  

You can also visit a range of domesticated animals in the barnyard, including Dorset Sheep, Hampshire Sheep, Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pig and three species of goats. Guests wishing to visit Illuminati and Havoc and the other animals at the Zoo can purchase their tickets online on the Zoo’s website by visiting lvzoo.org/tickets

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As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game Preserve, we have 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. Through 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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

LVZoo Updates Response To HPAI As Birds Continue To Be Affected

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
November 11, 2022

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO UPDATES ITS RESPONSE TO HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA (HPAI) AS BIRDS CONTINUE TO BE AFFECTED


(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo has continually monitored this year’s abnormally high spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to best determine the level of risk to its birds. Recently, two cases of HPAI affected birds were found in Lehigh County, both of which are less than 10 miles from the Zoo. Based on the close proximity to the Zoo, animal care, veterinary and leadership teams made the challenging decision to move the majority of the birds on exhibit to indoor spaces in order to eliminate contact with wild birds on Zoo grounds.

In addition to its collection African penguins and lorikeets, which were kept off exhibit for a three-month stretch earlier this year, the ravens and all animal in the Birds of Prey section have been moved indoors. The Zoo’s Barnyard birds and waterfowl continue to remain off exhibit. Due to indoor space limitations, large birds such as emu and ostrich will remain in their exhibits. Other precautions continuing include higher levels of biosecurity for birds, including personal protective equipment for staff; restricted access to bird areas; and modifications to existing habitats.

“We have protocols and procedures in place to ensure the health and welfare of our animals. Unfortunately, sometimes this means they will be away from public view for a short period of time,” said Amanda Shurr, President & CEO. “Our dedicated staff of veterinarians and animal care professionals was able to quickly respond in order to better protect our resident birds. We will continue to provide excellent care for these birds in their off-exhibit housing, and we will also work to make modifications to their current Zoo habitats so that we can return them there as quickly and safely as possible. The Lehigh Valley Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is proud to demonstrate how we are upholding some of the highest standards in the field.

In February, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of HPAI in the U.S., along the North American Atlantic flyway. Since then, the spread of this HPAI outbreak has grown and cases have been confirmed in 47 of 50 states, both in commercial flocks and wild birds. HPAI is highly contagious among wild and domestic birds, causing extreme illness and possibly death. As a result of the highly transmissible nature of HPAI, Zoos throughout the country have implemented enhanced safety precautions to protect the birds in their care.

The Zoo is committed to protecting the birds in its care, and will continue to work closely with other AZA Zoos, the USDA, the State Veterinary Medical Officer, APHIS and the Department of Public Health to stay current and abreast of any new updates. Earlier this year, the Zoo took steps to protect its highest risk birds by moving them indoors. This included African penguins, barnyard birds and waterfowl. The African penguins were able to return to their outdoor exhibit this summer, while the highest risk birds have remained indoors. There is no timeline as to how long this virus can affect birds in the U.S. While cases decreased in the early summer, they have increased again in the past two months as the winter bird migration has increased.

Symptoms of HPAI in birds include sneezing, coughing, walking or swimming in circles, and swelling of the legs and feet. Although wild waterfowl are the most common carriers, they are often asymptomatic while birds of prey, such as hawks and owls, and scavengers, such as crows and gulls, may show more severe infection. Other animals susceptible include carnivores, non-human primates, and pigs with possible infection occurring after the animal consumes an infected bird or consumes food that has been contaminated an infected bird.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, with no human cases detected in the U.S.

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As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game Preserve, we have 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. Through 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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

Stuffed Puffs® at Lehigh Valley Zoo. Yum.

Newsroom
Lehigh Valley Zoo
October 26, 2022

Lehigh Valley Marshmallow Company Returns as “Official S’mores of Winter Light Spectacular”

(Schnecksville, PA) – Since 2014, Winter Light Spectacular (WLS) offers the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season in the Lehigh Valley. For the second consecutive year, the event will offer the perfect holiday treat. Lehigh Valley Zoo is excited to announce a continued partnership with the Bethlehem-based Stuffed Puffs® as the “Official S’mores of Winter Light Spectacular.”

Stuffed Puffs logoWith four fire pits throughout the zoo, making s’mores has always been part of the family tradition at WLS. Stuffed Puffs® Classic Milk Chocolate Filled Marshmallows make s’mores easier and even more delicious with their fluffy vanilla marshmallow stuffed with real milk chocolate that melts from the inside out.

“Going into our ninth year of the event, we continue to strive to enhance the magic of Winter Light Spectacular,” said Amanda Shurr, President & CEO of LV Zoo. “Sometimes, it’s the little things. In this case, the proof is in the marshmallow. Our guests were thrilled with the addition Stuffed Puffs® in 2021, and we were equally as thrilled to partner with a local company.”

Additionally, the event will now offer Stuffed Puffs® Cookies ’N Crème Marshmallows which elevate hot chocolate or coffee to a whole new level.

WLS, presented by Service Electric and sponsored by Members 1st Federal Credit Union, is scheduled for 38 dates this season, spanning from Friday, Nov. 11, through Saturday, Jan 1. Tickets are on sale now at winterlightspectacular.com.

Located at the LV Zoo and set up by Christmas Decor, WLS is the Zoo’s largest annual fundraiser and was featured by USA Today in “Holiday light displays worth traveling for across America.”

In addition to the Stuffed Puffs® fire pits, WLS features 1.2 million lights – a total more than any other Pennsylvania attraction, classic holiday scenes, numerous family photo opportunities, hot chocolate and so many other holiday treats. There will also be live performances every night featuring popular princesses Anna & Elsa, Belle and Cinderella. Revenue from the event supports animal conservation projects and programs at the LV Zoo.

Please visit winterlightspectacular.com and follow the Zoo on Facebook for tickets, daily WLS updates, promotions, contests, weather cancellations and so much more.

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Stuffed Puffs® has redefined the marshmallow category as one of the only innovative brands to ever fill marshmallows with real milk chocolate. Founded in 2019 by Michael Tierney, Stuffed Puffs® believes that Life Is More Fun Filled™ and that is meant quite literally. Their Classic Milk Chocolate Stuffed Puffs® melt from the inside out for the perfect S’more. They also can be used as a staple ingredient in baking, cooking, hot cocoa, or devoured straight out of the bag. BIG bites™ filled and coated marshmallows are the latest addition to the Stuffed Puffs’ collection of everyday flavors filling that sweet treat craving. Stuffed Puffs core line of Classic Milk Chocolate, Chocolate-on-Chocolate, and Cookies `n Crème Filled Marshmallows and NEW Big Bites™ S’mores, Birthday Cake and Cookies n Creme are available at stuffedpuffs.com and can be found at many Walmart locations nationwide. For more information, visit stuffedpuffs.com or Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game Preserve, we have 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. Through 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 and Twitter.