LV Zoo Welcomes Three PYGMY Goats To The Herd
The Trio will Join the Zoo’s Current Four Goats on Exhibit on
July 27

(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo,excited to announce the arrival of three male pygmy goats. Hobart, Odin and Oliver come to Schnecksville from Rose Bridge Farm & Sanctuary in Dresher, Pa., by whom they were rescued as babies.

The trio, all approximately seven months old, arrived at LV Zoo on June 27 and had since been quarantining off exhibit for one month, during which time they received physical exams and essential vaccinations. LV Zoo’s Animal Care staff has observed these new goats to be extremely playful and to love receiving attention.

Pygmy goats are a breed of domestic goat that stay small and stocky. They stand less than two feet tall and weigh 45-60 pounds when fully grown.

Hobart, Odin and Oliver increase the current herd to seven goats, joining female, Phoebe(Toggenburg goat) and males Jasper (American Alpine), Onyx (American Alpine) and Stormy(La Mancha). The three males on this list also arrived at LV Zoo from Rose Bridge Farm & Sanctuary back in September 2021.

Guests can feed the goats at any point during LV Zoo’s business hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. A handful of grain is dispersed via a vending machine for one token; and tokens cost $1 for one, $5 for 6 and $10 for $12. Tickets can be purchased at 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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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

(Schnecksville, PA) – The County of Lehigh, in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Zoo, is thrilled to announce the newest addition to the bison herd. Born on June 11, this calf marks the first birth of the year and is the third offspring of its mother. Both the calf and its mother are in excellent health and are currently under the attentive care of the LV Zoo Animal Care staff and dedicated veterinarians.

Nestled within the picturesque, nearly 2,000-acre Trexler Nature Preserve, the bison enjoy a serene habitat. LV Zoo has been entrusted by Lehigh County to provide exceptional care for the elk and bison in the Preserve for more than 20 years. As a part of its steadfast commitment to conservation, LV Zoo manages the size of the bison herd — which has grown to include 15 members — and is active with other conservation partners to help ensure the health and longevity of the herd.

Bison offspring, known as calves, are typically born after a gestation period of approximately nine months. Calves are precocial, meaning they are relatively independent and mobile shortly after birth. They can stand and walk within a few hours of being born, and they start nursing from their mothers almost immediately. Bison calves have a reddish-brown coloration, which gradually darkens as they mature. Lehigh Valley Health Network is the official motherhood partner of the LV Zoo.

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Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) includes 13 hospital campuses, four in Allentown, two in Bethlehem, one in Easton, one in East Stroudsburg, one in Hazleton, two in Pottsville, one in Lehighton and one in Dickson City, Pa.; 28 health centers; numerous primary and specialty care physician practices; 20 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 Topper Cancer Institute, Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute, Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence, Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute and Lehigh Valley Fleming Neuroscience Institute physicians provide the most advanced treatments. Lehigh Valley Topper 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 ranked as the region’s No. 1 hospital for nine straight years and has been recognized among Pennsylvania’s top 10 hospitals for nine consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest, LVH–17th Street and LVH–Muhlenberg are the Lehigh Valley region’s only Magnet® hospitals for nursing excellence. Additional information is available by visiting LVHN.org or following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo announced today that the fifth-annual Zoocoustic Night will be broadcast live on The Service Electric Network Channel 502 HD on Saturday, June 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. SEN will bring the sights and sounds from the event to viewers, as well as interviews with several members of Zoo leadership between musical performances. The event is presented by Service Electric TV & Communications, which is celebrating its 75^th anniversary, and co-sponsored by 99.9 The Hawk, Cat Country 96 and 100.7 WLEV.

Zoocoustic Night will feature seven local music artists presenting acoustic performances on four separate stages throughout the zoo. The schedule for the televised acts on the Service Electric stage appear as follows:

5:30 p.m.             Hayley Jackson
6:00 p.m.             Shaun Lally
6:30 p.m.             Stacy Gabel
7:00 p.m.             Jeiris Cook
7:30 p.m.             John Strasburger
8:00 p.m.             Kendal Conrad
8:30 p.m.             Seth Witcher

Guests will be able to tour the Zoo afterhours, when the animals are most active and enjoying their dinner meals.

Attendees who are 21-and-older will also have sampling opportunities from local wineries Talerico’s Tropical Winery and Cellar Beast Winehouse. A variety of food, beer, wines, seltzers and ciders will also be available for purchase.

Dining options include Geakers Tacos and Cockatoo Cafe.

Ticket and event information is available at www.lvzoo.org/zoocoustic. Advanced tickets cost $30/adult (ages 12+) and $20/child (ages 2-11); $20/member adult and $10/member child. Day-of-event pricing in $35/adult (ages 12+) and $25/child (ages 2-11); $25/member adult and $15/member child. There is no cost for children below the age of two. All proceeds of the event go towards the Zoo’s conservation mission of connecting its community with nature to empower people to protect wildlife.

For more information, visit the Zoo’s website at www.lvzoo.org.

The broadcast will be replayed on The Service Electric Network Channel 502 HD on Sunday, June 25, at 12:30 p.m.

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About Service Electric Cable TV and Communications… Established in 1948 and still family owned, Service Electric is the largest privately held internet provider to homes and businesses in the Lehigh Valley, Wilkes-Barre, PA and Hunterdon County, NJ. As the first company to bring internet to the Lehigh Valley, Service Electric continues to build its positive reputation in the community and the communications industry, offering a variety of Internet, TV, telephone and telecommunication services. Service Electric comprises three divisions; SECTV, serving residential customers, SEB – Service Electric Business – serving business and commercial customers, and SEN – Service Electric Network – the in-house production company, bringing a variety of local sports and entertainment to viewers. For more information, visit www.sectv.com.

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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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The New Lemurs will Make Zoo Debut with the Grand Opening of Habitat Madagascar on May 26

(Schnecksville, PA) –Lehigh Valley Zoois excited to announce the arrival of two red ruffed lemurs, Weasley and Makira. The pair will debut at the public Grand Opening of Habitat Madagascar, the LV Zoo’s brand new, year-round lemur and tortoise exhibit, on Friday, May 26.

Male Weasley, age 5, is the more gregarious of the pair and is very vocal and displays inquisitive behaviors. Female Makira, age 6, is a bit shyer and more reserved, but her keepers say she is very sweet and gentle toward them.

Red ruffed lemurs are native to the island of Madagascar and are easily distinguishable from other species by their rusty red coat with black foreheads, bellies and tails. This species of lemur is critically endangered in nature and their wild populations are limited to a single small, protected area on the island of Madagascar.

“As we approach the end to what has been a three-year process, we are excited to officially unveil Habitat Madagascar to our guests and the Lehigh Valley community,” LV Zoo President & CEO Amanda Shurr said of the zoo’s biggest addition since bringing in Masai Giraffe in 2017. “We are excited for the addition of the pair of red ruffed lemurs to this habitat as they will be great ambassadors for their species and help us to further educate the Zoo’s guests about conservation. Additionally, this new habitat was designed to give us the ability to add additional species to Habitat Madagascar in the future.”

Weasley and Makira arrived at LV Zoo from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and Bronx Zoo, respectively. The pair were introduced to each other during a quarantine period when newly acquired animals are kept behind the scenes and their health and behavior is closely monitored. This quarantine period is used to make sure that animals are healthy and well acclimated to their new environment before being introduced to the rest of the Zoo and its guests.

Keepers at LV Zoo say the pair, a Species Survival Plan (SSP) approved breeding pair, are already getting along very well. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums‘ cooperatively managed SSP is designed “to manage a genetically diverse, demographically varied, and biologically sound population” of certain animals. The SSP pairs members of the same species at accredited zoos based on their genetics. Based on the recommendation of the SSP, LV Zoo’s animal experts hope the arrival of Weasley and Makira will lead to baby red ruffed lemurs that would be observable in the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Nursery located within Habitat Madagascar.

The red ruffed lemur pair will join the Zoo’s mongoose lemurs, breeding pair Abby and Mico, and the leopard tortoises, Horace and Autobahn, in the newly completed Habitat Madagascar exhibit building. This brand new modern habitat features several spaces for the Zoo’s lemurs and tortoises, including both indoor and outdoor spaces that will allow guests to observe the residents of Habitat Madagascar year-round, and a nursery habitat where mother and baby lemurs can bond without distraction from other animal residents. This 1,600-square-foot building will also provide behind-the-scenes living space for the animal residents when they are off-exhibit, as well as state-of-the-art climate control to ensure the optimum habitat environment year-round.

Habitat Madagascar opens to the public on Friday, May 26. The LV Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests wishing to greet Weasley and Makira on the opening day of Habitat Madagascar can purchase admission online at lvzoo.org.

This Grand Opening kicks off an exciting Memorial Day Weekend at LV Zoo, as Giraffe Feeding returns to its two normal time slots (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 2-3 p.m.) beginning on May 26 and the seventh-annual Red, Wine and Blue Festival takes place on Saturday, May 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of two, two-year old female Common Elands, who joined the zoo today from The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio. The pair will join Code, the current male Eland, in the Africa section of the zoo directly across from our Masai Giraffe and the Kiannala Feeding Deck.

Common Eland is the second-largest species of antelope after the Giant Eland, with males growing up to six feet tall at the shoulder and weighing anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 pounds — roughly the same weight as our resident giraffes, Tatu and Joshua. Females are slightly smaller, but still impressive animals. These athletic antelope can jump great heights and have sustained running speeds of 20 mph when escaping predators. Native to Africa, Elands are important members of their ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their habitat.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums‘ cooperatively managed Species Survival Plan (SSP) is designed “to manage a genetically diverse, demographically varied, and biologically sound population” of certain animals. The SSP pairs members of the same species at accredited zoos based on their genetics. Based on the recommendation of the SSP, LV Zoo experts hope the arrival of two female Elands will lead to calves in the future.

Code has been a popular addition at LV Zoo since his arrival in August of 2022. His impressive size and stature have made him a favorite among guests. With the addition of these two, yet-to-be-named females, visitors will now be able to see the herds of Eland and the Scimitar Horned Oryx — another of the zoo’s African hoof stock — living and interacting together as they would in the wild, providing a more authentic experience.

LV Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests wishing to visit Code and the two new female Elands, as well as the other animals at the zoo, can purchase their tickets online 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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Fifth-Annual Event, Presented by Service Electric, to be held Saturday, June 24

(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is pleased to announce the much-anticipated Zoocoustic Night lineup, featuring an incredible selection of seven local music artists. This year’s fifth-annual Zoocoustic Night will take place Saturday, June 24, from 5-9 p.m. and is presented by Service Electric Cable TV & Communications and co-sponsored by 99.9 The Hawk, Cat Country 96 and 100.7 WLEV.

The lineup includes Kendal Conrad, Jeiris Cook, Stacy Gabel, Hayley Jackson, Shaun Lally, John Strasburger and Seth Witcher. Each artist brings a unique sound to the event, ensuring a wide variety for all types of musical tastes. The event features four separate stages hosting acoustic performances, allowing guests to enjoy music throughout the zoo while the animals are most active and enjoying their dinner meals.

Kendal Conrad is a singer-songwriter from Pottstown, Pa. Her single Leader of the Pack garnered over 26 million views on Tiktok and over 1 million plays on Soundcloud. She sang a duet onstage with Keith Urban at Musikfest in Bethlehem, Pa. She also opened for 37 of country’s hottest artists, including Blake Shelton at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open to a crowd of 18,000; Alabama at the Santander Arena, and Kane Brown. She has performed the National Anthem for the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and NASCAR.

Jeiris Cook has been musically active since the age of 5, coming from a musical family background. In 2020, Cook was a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and in 2021, he was a semi-finalist in the Unsigned Only songwriting competition.  His hits include Date Night (2001) and Drunk (2022), which was recorded at Hybrid Studios in Nazareth, Pa. He released an EP with Vern Miller in 2022 entitled The Vern Miller/Jeiris Cook Project and has a full-length album due out later this year.

Stacy Gabel is an award-winning recording artist and a popular performer with her Broadway meets Pop original style, performing in music festivals, public venues as well as at high profile sporting & corporate events. Her original hits include Straight to Voicemail, High Heeled Shoes, Sunny Days. Gabel has won several artist and performing awards, including: Global Music Awards winner for best song, lyrics, and songwriter; Winner of Lehigh Valley Music Awards; and Best Song in the Pinnacle Film Awards.

Hayley Jackson, is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who plays locally at bars, wineries and private events across Lehigh Valley. Hayley has played guitar since she was 12 years old and has been singing all of her life. Inspired by artists such as Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Sam Smith; Hayley is known to put her own “pop-soul-RnB-inspired spin” on popular covers.

Shaun Lally is a highly experienced, live gigging solo musician renowned for delivering exceptional performances that showcase his guitar and piano playing skills, as well as his impressive vocal range. With an extensive repertoire of over 500 songs, Lally’s musical style is incredibly versatile, so he can seamlessly transition from classic hits to modern tunes, ensuring there is something for everyone in his shows.

John Strasburger, a solo musician from Northeast PA, has been performing for over a decade at various events such as weddings, bars, restaurants and social events. His music style blends classic and modern hits, making it an ideal choice for any audience. Strasburger is proud to have been featured on radio stations like 98.5 KRZ, 99.9 The Hawk, Cat Country 96, and 100.7 WLEV.

Seth Witcher is a music artist, producer, performer, and visual creator from Allentown, Pa. Witcher has been featured nationally on Fox 29, 6ABC, NBC10 and PBS for his ability to capture an audience with his thought-provoking lyrics and emotional performances. Through his catchy and emotionally inspired songs, Witcher dreams of connecting with the masses and helping them get through the darkness that they face in life. He makes music in a variety of genres ranging from Pop-Punk, Pop, Indie Rock, Singer-Songwriter, and RnB.

Attendees who are 21-and-older will have the opportunity to sample the offerings of several local wineries, while Geakers at the Zoo will offer gourmet tacos, burgers, and more. A range of food, beer, wines, seltzers and ciders will also be available for purchase.

Tickets can be obtained through www.lvzoo.org/zoocoustic. Adult tickets cost $30 (ages 12+) and child tickets are priced at $20 (ages 2-11) up to the event date. LV Zoo members are entitled to discounted prices of $20/adult and $10/child. There is no cost for children below the age of two. All proceeds from this event will go towards the Zoo’s conservation mission of saving species and creating a greener future.

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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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

(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.

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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.

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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 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.”

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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.

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.