As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society is eight years young, but as a treasured community landmark, our history spans over a century.  Founded in 1906 by General Harry C. Trexler, a local industrialist, the Lehigh Valleys Trexler Game Preserve has educated and entertained more than five million people.  General Trexler played a significant role in saving the North American bison from extinction by providing a place where both bison and elk could roam freely undisturbed.  In 1935, the County of Lehigh took ownership of the Preserve, and in 1974, construction began on the Preserve’s 29-acre Children’s Zoo.  In 2004, the Lehigh Valley Zoological Society assumed management of the Zoo, as well as the daily management of the bison and elk herd and the palominos in the 1,100-acre Trexler Nature Preserve.  General attendance at Lehigh Valley Zoo grew from 63,000 visitors in 2005 to over 125,000 visitors in 2012 and over 35,000 students participated in our formal education programs.  In 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012, the Zoo was voted Best Family Day Trip in The Morning Call’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

We invite you to explore our Web site to learn more about us and to join us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest Zoo news!

Accreditation
Lehigh Valley Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the international organization that sets the highest standards for zoos and aquariums.  With more than 220 accredited members, representing the top ten percent of zoos and aquariums in North America, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and a link to helping animals in their native habitats.  Lehigh Valley Zoo is home to more than 294 animal ambassadors representing 88 species, 24 of which are classified as endangered, threatened, or species of concern.

Lehigh Valley Zoological Society Board of Directors

Lehigh Valley Zoo Senior Staff

Richard Molchany, President & CEO
Lehigh Valley Zoological Society
610-799-4171, ext. 226
rmolchany@lvzoo.org

Joan B. Cole, Director of Administration & Finance
610-799-4171, ext. 232
jcole@lvzoo.org

Charles G. Gildner, Manager of Facilities & Grounds
610-799-4171, ext. 222
cgildner@lvzoo.org

Shirley A. Kline, Director of Development & Marketing
610-799-4171, ext. 223
skline@lvzoo.org

Sheri J. Peters, Director of Conservation Education
610-799-4171, ext. 227
speters@lvzoo.org

Melissa Rosevear, Director of Guest Services
610-799-4171, ext. 244
mrosevear@lvzoo.org

Richard Rosevear, General Curator
610-799-4171, ext. 230
rrosevear@lvzoo.org