Newsroom Lehigh Valley Zoo November 5, 2020 |
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(Schnecksville, PA) – As winter approaches, guests may notice a few changes around the zoo! The newest member of our oryx herd has made his debut on exhibit and spent the day running around exploring the rest of his habitat. Our newest joeys, Jenga and Uno, have been spending more and more time outside of their mothers’ pouches, exploring their exhibit and interacting with the rest of the mob. Guests may even get a chance to see them get their “zoomies” where they practice hopping at top speeds! And as we say goodbye to the warm summer months and hello to the chill of winter, a few of the animals bid farewell to guests and move inside for the season. Our lorikeets, cockatoos, tortoises and western pond turtles are all currently off of exhibit. The reptiles will not be back out until spring temperatures are more appropriate, as they are ectothermic and rely on external sources to regulate their internal temperatures. Guests may still get a chance to see Bobby or Fred throughout the winter when their keepers take them for adventures in the RAD building. And last but certainly not least, our tallest and most recognizable zoo residents, Tatu and Murphy, have also moved inside for the winter. Guests will notice that the vestibule has been closed and visiting hours are currently unavailable for the giraffe boys. This is due in part to Murphy showing signs of a brief illness. As his keepers and veterinary staff continuously monitor him, we ask for patience and understanding while Murphy continues to recover from his illness. He is already feeling better and we look forward to welcoming guests back into the barn soon, particularly on December 17 — when Murphy turns 20 years old! This is a huge milestone as there are only 10 Masai giraffes who are older than him in all the AZA zoos combined! Murphy has been continuously and vigilantly monitored by both keeper and veterinary staff due to urinary and age-related issues. Guest access to the vestibule will be subject to change throughout the winter based on what is deemed appropriate by both veterinary and keeper staff. ### 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 and Twitter. |