WINTER LIGHT SPECTACULAR CANCELLED TONIGHT
Forecast of Consistent Rain Throughout Wednesday Evening Forces Cancellation

(Schnecksville, Pa.) – Due to a forecast of consistent rain throughout the evening, Winter Lights Spectacular at Lehigh Valley Zoo has been cancelled tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 18. The event is scheduled to reopen tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 19, at 5 p.m. All ticket holders for tonight’s event will receive an email within the next four hours that includes rescheduling instructions.

There are still 14 dates remaining in the 2024 Winter Light Spectacular schedule, which opened Nov. 15 and runs through Jan. 4, 2025. These dates include the next five evenings leading into Christmas until a two-day hiatus Dec. 24-25. 

This is the fourth cancellation of the event in 2024. Last year, WLS sustained its second-highest total of cancellations (5) en route to setting an annual attendance record of 59,750.

Winter Light Spectacular tickets can be purchased at winterlightspectacular.com, which also includes the full schedule along with a listing of daily hours, activities and performance times.

Winter Light Spectacular is presented by Service Electric TV & Communications and powered by Christmas Décor.

— SmartFun—

WINTER LIGHT SPECTACULAR OPENS ITS ELEVENTH SEASON ON FRIDAY, NOV. 15
The Valley’s Original Holiday Tradition Returns for 38 Dates Starting this Weekend

(Schnecksville, Pa.) — The Valley’s Original Holiday Tradition returns this weekend, when Lehigh Valley Zoo and Christmas Décor host the 11^th-annual Winter Light Spectacular (WLS), presented by Service Electric TV & Communications. Hours of operation for Opening Weekend are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are available at winterlightspectacular.com, along with dates, hours of operation, promotions and performance schedules.

Opening Weekend features a pair of prominent guests, as Bluey and Bingo will be around all three nights for a meet-and-greet on the SECTV Dining Terrace between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The popular healer pups will return on Dec. 4. Performing at various times Opening Weekend at the SECTV Princess Stage are Elsa, Anna, Ariel, Cinderella and Rapunzel. Additionally, Santa Claus is back and available for picture packages from Dan’s Camera City on Opening Weekend and during select dates through Dec. 23.

Geakers Tacos and Cockatoo Café are both be open for dining. In addition, the Kilimanjaro Distillery Spirit Station is open Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – offering guests 21 and older the opportunity to purchase spiked hot chocolate or hot cider with one of several options from Kilimanjaro Distillery and Xplorer Spirits (or to enjoy a cold beer).

The popular event is scheduled for 38 dates in all, spanning from Friday, Nov. 15, through Saturday, Jan. 4. Due to the popularity of this event and the likelihood of sold-out dates, LV Zoo strongly recommends purchasing advanced tickets online to guarantee availability.

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

This year’s event is highlighted by many exciting new additions, such as a 40’ Walk-Through Christmas Tree and a Botanical Garden display. Along with more than 1.2 million lights – a total more than any other Pennsylvania attraction – WLS features classic holiday scenes, numerous photo opportunities, multiple fire pits, hot chocolate and so many other holiday treats.

Revenue from the event supports animal conservation projects and programs at LV Zoo.

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

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2024 SCHEDULE

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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 Nature 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.

— SmartFun—

LV ZOO MOURNS THE LOSS OF BIG BOY, MALE BISON
Big Boy Roamed the Trexler Nature Preserve since 2004

(Schnecksville, PA) – The County of Lehigh, in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Zoo, is deeply saddened to announce the passing of 20-year-old male Bison, Big Boy. Big Boy was born in the Trexler Nature Preserve in May 2004 and served as the leader of his herd for the majority of his life. In his role as patriarch, he fathered over a dozen offspring, some still in the herd and others who have moved on to different herds.

As the name Big Boy suggests, it was not difficult to identify him as he was large in stature and maintained a dominant presence over the rest of the Bison on the preserve. Big Boy was estimated to have reached 2000 pounds in his formative years.

Members of LV Zoo’s animal care staff note that in his youth, Big Boy was often seen running energetically through the preserve, using his horns to toss aside tree limbs as he roamed. In his later years, he spent much of his time grazing and calmly roaming around the range. Big Boy will be dearly missed by staff and guests who admired him over the years.

In zoological settings, Bison may reach up to 25 years old.

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 14 members — and is active with other conservation partners to help ensure the health and longevity of the herd. Bison are one of the first North American conservation success stories. The species was near extinction in the late 1800s, when they were hunted primarily for their hides but also for their meat and bones. By the end of the 19th century, bison populations were eliminated from over 98 percent of their range in the lower 48 states, resulting in fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining. Today, bison are making a comeback through population management on ranches and tribal lands, and protected parks and preserves such as the Trexler Nature Preserve.

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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 Nature 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.

— SmartFun—

LV ZOO WELCOMES A NEWBORN ALPACA
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), is excited to announce the birth of another male baby alpaca, also known as a cria, born to mother Illuminati and father Havoc on Aug. 22. This marks the second – ever alpaca birth at LV Zoo — the first being the cria’s brother, Buzz, born to the same parents nearly one year prior on Sept. 12, 2023.

An examination was performed by the zoo’s veterinarian team on Aug. 23, and it was determined the newborn is a healthy male, weighing 13.6 Ib.

Illuminati and her cria spent the first few days in the barnyard shelter stalls to allow for bonding, nursing and rest. This time allowed for the cria to gain strength and master his mobility skills. Since Aug. 26, both have been out on exhibit during the day with the rest of the barnyard animals. LV Zoo’s animal care staff had been closely monitoring Illuminati for signs of pregnancy. Alpaca gestation typically lasts around 11-12 months.

Six-year-old Illuminati and eight-year-old Havoc arrived at LV Zoo together in October 2022 from a private facility for breeding purposes. Alpacas are native to the central and southern Andes Mountains, from Peru to Argentina and are the smallest of the domesticated camelid species.

The new alpaca still needs a name. In partnership with LVHN, LV Zoo is hosting a naming contest on Facebook next week — allowing guests and followers the opportunity to decide the final official name by voting for their favorite finalist.

LVHN is the Official Motherhood Partner of the Lehigh Valley Zoo.

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LV Zoo is set to host another exciting Labor Day weekend, which gets underway Friday with School Spirit Day. All guests wearing their school or college merchandise will receive a $3 discount off an adult or child general admission ticket. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the zoo hosts its 8th-annual Food Truck Festival, presented by Whitetail Disposal. With a standard general admission, guests have the opportunity to purchase offerings from a variety of local food trucks with different options available each day of this event. A complete listing is available on the event website here. Additionally, guest 21+ with a valid ID, will have the chance to purchase alcoholic beverages from Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild members, Funk Brewing Company on Saturday and Five Maidens Cider Company on Sunday.

LV Zoo is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at lvzoo.org.

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Lehigh Valley Health Network is now a part of Jefferson
Nationally ranked, Jefferson, which is principally located in the greater Philadelphia region, Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey, is reimagining health care and higher education to create unparalleled value. Jefferson is more than 65,000 people strong, dedicated to providing the highest-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients; making our communities healthier and stronger; preparing tomorrow’s professional leaders for 21st-century careers; and creating new knowledge through basic/programmatic, clinical and applied research. Thomas Jefferson University, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson College of Nursing, and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, dates back to 1824 and today comprises 10 colleges and three schools offering 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 8,300 students. Jefferson Health, nationally ranked as one of the top 15 not-for-profit health care systems in the country and the largest provider in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas, serves patients through millions of encounters each year at 32 hospitals and more than 700 outpatient and urgent care locations throughout the region. Jefferson Health Plans is a not-for-profit managed health care organization providing a broad range of health coverage options in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for more than 35 years.

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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 Nature 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.

— SmartFun—

HELPING OUR ANIMALS BEAT THE HEAT

As summer heats up, we wanted to share with you the various ways our zookeepers are working to keep our animals safe and cool this season.Next time you visit us, you may notice water misters, ice treats, kiddie pools and extra shaded areas in many of the exhibits. These additions help our animals stay cool and comfortable as the summer progresses. You may also notice that many animals have access to their indoor habitats, giving them the choice of whether they want to spend their time outside or in their cool indoor habitats to beat the heat!Many of our animals are well-adapted to the heat, particularly our African and Australian species. You can often spot our giraffes, oryx, elands, zebras, ostrich, emus, kangaroos, and wallabies sunbathing or leisurely strolling around their habitats in the summer. 

Other animals might prefer to stay indoors or in shaded areas, like our red pandas, making them a bit harder to spot. However, if you look carefully, you may be able to see them hanging out in their bamboo hut or through the viewing window of their indoor habitat!

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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.

— SmartFun—

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO WELCOMES A PAIR OF RED PANDAS
Brothers Cosmo and Meeko will Debut in their New Habitat on June 7

(Schnecksville, Pa.) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of two red pandas, Cosmo and Meeko. The pair will debut at the public Grand Opening of Rothrock Red Panda Peak, the LV Zoo’s brand-new red panda habitat, on Friday, June 7. The zoo will open at 9 a.m. for zoo members only and to all other guests at the normal time of 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at lvzoo.org.

Cosmo and Meeko arrived from Alabama’s Birmingham Zoo as part of a recommendation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSP programs are led by expert advisors who work cooperatively with AZA zoos and aquariums to manage animal populations to safeguard the survival of many of the planet’s threatened and endangered species. The nearly one-year-old red panda brothers will celebrate their first birthday on May 31. The pair is currently behind the scenes until the Grand Opening. The zoo’s animal care team has noted that Cosmo is very outgoing and curious while Meeko is a bit shyer and more reserved, but both are adjusting well.

More significantly, LV Zoo is proud to play a key role in a new five-year program designed for red panda conservation. The AZA, the zoo’s accrediting body, recently added red pandas to its Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program – which uses the collective expertise within AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and leverages their massive audiences to save endangered species in their natural habitat. With the importance of local communities to red panda conservation, LV Zoo’s inclusion in this SAFE program can positively impact red pandas around the world. 

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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.

— SmartFun—

GRAND OPENING OF ROTHROCK RED PANDA PEAK SET FOR JUNE 7
LV Zoo’s New Red Panda Exhibit Opens for Guests at 10 a.m.

(Schnecksville, Pa.) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is excited to announce the Grand Opening of its newest exhibit, Rothrock Red Panda Peak, is set for Friday, June 7, when the zoo opens to the public at 10 a.m. This marks the first time red pandas, an endangered species, will reside at LV Zoo.

The modern habitat was designed to meet the standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the zoo’s accrediting body, as well as to maximize the welfare of red pandas. LV Zoo worked in conjunction with D&S Elite Construction, Inc. to build an exhibit that provides guests with an up-close experience and the ability to learn about the plight of this endangered species.

Completion of the project was made possible by the support of David, Patrina and Kian Rothrock.

Red pandas have a population reported to be fewer than 10,000 in the wild due to deforestation, poaching, accidental trapping, and illegal pet trade. Providing a home for red pandas at LV Zoo supports the zoo’s vision of partnering with the community to be a leader in conservation education and action. The community can still support LV Zoo’s red pandas by visiting lvzoo.org/red-panda. All individual donors who contribute at least $500 will receive recognition on exhibit signage. LV Zoo is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on the support of our community to operate and expand.

Rothrock Red Panda Peak is LV Zoo’s second new exhibit in as many years after the opening of Habitat Madagascar — which houses mongoose lemurs, red ruffed lemurs and tortoises – on May 26, 2023.

Beginning on June 7, guests can visit the red pandas and all current LV Zoo residents seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at lvzoo.org.

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.

— SmartFun—

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO’S RED PANDA HABITAT CONSTUCTION IS UNDERWAY
D&S Elite Construction, Inc. Anticipates Project Completion by Late Spring

(Schnecksville, PA) –Lehigh Valley Zoo, in conjunction with project manager D&S Elite Construction, Inc., is excited to announce that construction of the zoo’s new habitat for red pandas is underway. The exhibit is expected to be completed for a Grand Opening later this spring.

The location, which previously housed the North American prairie dogs, has been reimagined for a habitat designed to meet the standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the zoo’s accrediting body, as well as to maximize the welfare of red pandas.

“D&S Elite Construction, Inc. is excited for the opportunity to collaborate with the Lehigh Valley Zoo and a talented team of tradespeople to create this remarkable habitat for the Red Panda,” said Allen Butler, D&S Elite Construction’s Vice President of Construction, Inc. “We are eager to develop and construct an exhibit that not only provides visitors with a personal and up-close experience, but also contributes to educating the community about the plight of this endangered species for generations to come.”

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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.

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— SmartFun—

LV ZOO MOURNS THE LOSS OF EMMY, FEMALE OSTRICH

(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is deeply saddened by the passing of 16-year-old female ostrich, Emmy. Emmy arrived at the zoo in 2008 along with Bane, LV Zoo’s male ostrich. Shortly after arrival, the duo was introduced to LV Zoo’s two female Grant’s zebras, Glenda and Rylea, with whom they shared an exhibit for the past 15 years.

LV Zoo’s animal care staff said Emmy was a very curious ostrich and would spend her time investigating her habitat. She would often peck at objects around her, especially if they were shiny. She loved a good bath so much that she would spend her time playing in the sprinkler or staying out in the rain. She would often be seen standing in the front of the habitat where she would watch as people walked by. Emmy will be dearly missed by all staff and guests.

Guests can visit all the African species, along with the rest of the zoo residents, during LV Zoo business hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. Tickets can be purchased 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.

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— SmartFun—

WINTER LIGHT SPECTACULAR SETS NEW ATTENDANCE RECORD IN 2023
The Popular Holiday Event Drew 59,750 Guests to LV Zoo

(Schnecksville, PA) –Lehigh ValleyZoo is excited to announce that the 10^th-annual Winter Light Spectacular (WLS), presented by Service Electric TV & Communications and powered by Christmas Décor, set a new attendance record with 59,750 guests in 2023. The event, held between Nov. 10 and Dec. 31, averaged 1,707 guests per night over 33 public dates and a pair of private openings.

The record was set despite five weather cancellations – the second-highest total in the 10-year history of the event.

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Christmas Décor, a sister company to Pennsylvania Lawn & Landscape, has provided professional full-holiday service for both Residential and Commercial properties since 1996. We provide all the best quality materials needed to complete the installation and ensure the display is not only safe, but beautiful. We will return regularly to inspect your display and provide any necessary services. Holiday lighting was always a passion and decided it was a great way to provide year-round work for our company. We have completed numerous beautiful unique displays for so many wonderful clients over the past 20 years that it humbles us just how much Christmas means to so many. We also believe Christmas is about giving back to our communities. By doing fundraisers like the “Pay it Forward” golf tournament and supporting our servicemen and servicewomen through the “Decorated Soldier” program, we hope to share our success with those who are less fortunate or have sacrificed so much for us to have these opportunities. Visit noholidayhassles.com for more information.

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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.