In Spring 2025 a major renovation to the lower part of Lehigh Valley Zoo, where the barnyard animals reside, will begin. An expected Grand Opening is planned for Summer 2027. As the Zoo works to improve its facility, it is constantly looking for ways to not only enhance animal habitats and how they are cared for, but ways to engage guests and create memorable experiences that inspire action for wildlife. 

The Children’s Activity Area combines state-of-the-art amenities with good old-fashioned fun.  The goal is to increase opportunities for guests to get close to animals and see them in an entirely new way; provide new educational opportunities for schools; and highlight the Zoo’s conservation work advocating for and protecting species around the globe.

Once completed, we anticipate an increase in attendance by at least 30,000 guests annually.  The increase will aid in updating older exhibits, creating new exhibits, and improving the guest experience.

The $10M project will be supported by philanthropy, public support, and Zoo funding. Make your gift today and be a part of this significant improvement to your local zoo!

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Construction will be completed in phases, allowing Veterinary and Animal Care staff the opportunity to relocate and monitor our loveable barnyard residents.  Please return to this site for updates throughout the project and to see which of our friends might temporarily be off exhibit.

Phase 1: Accessible Playground & the Fred & Anne Jaindl Family Barnyard

One of the best ways for children to learn is through play. Situated between Preston’s Place (the existing nature play area) and the barnyard, the new playground will focus on providing accessible equipment for children of all abilities to be active while their caretakers take a rest.

With support from David Jaindl and the Jaindl Family Foundation, the Fred & Anne Jaindl Family Barnyard will be constructed in the existing barnyard area. Year round, guests will be able to walk through the barn and see the animal “bedrooms” as well as participate in brushing or feeding those animals that wish to participate.

Phase 2: Isaacman Family Education Center

The Zoo’s vision of being a leader in conservation education and action starts with its ability to impact our guests’ view of wildlife and how their habits affect the natural world.  The new education building, generously supported by Jared & Monica Isaacman, will provide triple the capacity to host classes, groups, and encounters.  This building will become the hub of our education programming while also providing a new home for some of our ambassador animals. The building will offer an additional set of restrooms, a nursing station and changing rooms for the much-anticipated Splash Pad.

Phases 3 & 4: Seating, concessions, retail & Splash Pad

With all the fun activity happening in this area, we will be improving our amenities by constructing a Marketplace for both food and retail concessions, as well as a semi-permanent covered seating area that guests of all ages and abilities can enjoy.

Once the Fred & Anne Jaindl Family Barnyard is complete, the goats will relocate to the barnyard to make room for the addition of a Splash pad.  The Splash Pad will encourage our guests to stay and play longer, to get both the education and additional fun out of their visit.

The Zoo is honored to express our thanks for lead gifts from the following supporters:

• Jared and Monica Isaacman
• David Jaindl and the Fred J. Jaindl Family Foundation
• Milosev Family Foundation
• The Davis & Smith Family Foundation
• Peoples Security Charitable Foundation
• The Tuskes Family
• Michael and Christine Perrucci
• PPL Foundation
• Keystone Savings Foundation
• Ciocca Subaru of Allentown – Hometown Charity for the 2024 Subaru Share the Love® Event
• North Star Construction Management, Inc
• Bohler Engineering

If you are interested in joining the leadership commitments to the CAA, please contact the Director of Development, Stefanie Timmins. stimmins@lvzoo.org | (610) 799-4171 x232

$500+ Donors

Updated 1/21/25

• 727 N. Meadow St., LLC
• Bohler Engineering
• Ciocca Subaru of Allentown
• The Davis & Smith Family Foundation
• The Drobins Family
• Karen & Doug Figura
• Fred J. Jaindl Family Foundation
• Jared and Monica Isaacman
• David Jaindl
• Keystone Savings Foundation
• Milosev Family Foundation
• North Star Construction Management, Inc
• Peoples Security Charitable Foundation
• Michael and Christine Perrucci
• PPL Foundation
• Shafer Family Charitable Foundation
• The Tuskes Family