(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is deeply saddened to announce its matriarch Dromedary Camel, Leena, passed earlier this week at the age of 27.

Leena’s keepers noticed her having difficulty getting around her exhibit due to arthritis. Leena’s condition was monitored closely through quality of life and welfare assessments. When her arthritis progressed to the point where treatment could no longer provide enough relief or comfort, LV Zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams made the difficult decision to euthanize her on Saturday afternoon.

Leena arrived at LV Zoo in 1997 from Virginia and spent her years in the Lehigh Valley living with her soon-to-be 23-year-old daughter, Baby, who was born at LV Zoo in 1999. While mourning the loss, LV Zoo staff will be keeping a close eye on Baby as she adjusts to this change.

Guests can visit Baby during LV Zoo daytime summer hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

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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 @LVZOO.

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 are excited to announce that a bison calf has joined the herd last week! The calf was born on May 11, 2022. Both the calf and its mother are being monitored by Lehigh Valley Zoo animal care staff and veterinarians on the Trexler Nature Preserve, which surrounds the zoo property. Lehigh Valley Zoo is contracted by Lehigh County to care for the elk and bison in the Trexler Nature Preserve.

Bison calves are born with a reddish-tan color coat and can stand and nurse within 10-30 minutes after birth. They begin grazing on new green grass and drinking water within one week of birth, and it isn’t much longer before they begin follow their mothers on long distance walks! The calf and mother can be seen with the herd on the Preserve. Stay tuned for more information in the future as the calf continues to grow!

A special thank you to Lehigh Valley Health Network who is the official motherhood partner of the Lehigh Valley Zoo.

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Lehigh Valley Health Network includes eight hospital campuses, three in Allentown, one in Bethlehem, one in East Stroudsburg, one in Hazleton and two in Pottsville, Pa.; Coordinated Health, which includes two hospital campuses, nearly two dozen multispecialty locations including ambulatory surgery centers and orthopedic injury centers in northeastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey; 26 health centers; numerous primary and specialty care physician practices; 22 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 Cancer Institute, Lehigh Valley Heart Institute and Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence physicians provide the most advanced treatments. Lehigh Valley 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 the region’s only hospital nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for orthopedics and has been recognized among Pennsylvania’s top five hospitals for six consecutive years. Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest, LVH–17th Street and LVH–Muhlenberg are the region’s only Magnet® hospitals for nursing excellence. Additional information is available by visiting www.LVHN.org/motherhood, or following us on Facebook and Twitter.

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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 @LVZOO.

Joshua Joins Tatu at the LV Zoo from Houston Zoo

(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is excited to officially announce the arrival of a new Masai giraffe. Joshua, a six-year-old male giraffe from Houston Zoo, will join six-year-old male giraffe, Tatu, in the Masai giraffe habitat at LV Zoo.

Joshua is currently 16-1/2-feet tall and is still growing. He weighs more than 2,000 pounds. Born July 23, 2015, at Virginia Zoo, Joshua was the fifth calf born to mother, Imara, and father, Billy. Per the recommendation of the Giraffe Species Survival Plan (SSP) of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Joshua joined the Houston Zoo in hopes for him to sire calves. While there, he successfully sired a son, Bobbie, with mother, Kamili, in September of 2019 – making them both first-time parents. Joshua has been remarkably trained by his team at Houston Zoo for behaviors such as blood draws. The LV Zoo team is thrilled to continue to work with him on his voluntary medical behaviors.

The experts at LV Zoo have created an introduction plan to help Joshua and Tatu establish a bond. In the initial period after his arrival, Joshua will have access to the giraffe barn so he can learn the lay of the land and settle into his new surroundings. Tatu will be able to investigate him through “howdy points,” which are designed to allow the pair to greet each other by choice. The animal care team at LV Zoo is well educated in animal behavior and once both giraffes are comfortable, staff will continue to give them more access to each other in different parts of the exhibit. This entire process will be carefully monitored by LV Zoo’s senior keepers, curators and veterinarians.

By participating in the SSP, accredited zoos are provided the opportunity to educate guests about Masai giraffe conservation and its importance to the ecosystem. Masai giraffes are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), primarily due to poaching and changes in land use. There is an estimated 35,000 Masai giraffes remaining, but their population has fallen by 50 percent over the last three decades. The number of Masai giraffes under human care in the U.S. is small, and the SSP manages the population to ensure that it is healthy and genetically diverse so that the population thrives.

Giraffes are social animals, and can live in loose, unstable herds. These herds can vary from 10-20 individuals, although much larger herds have been observed. Individuals may join and leave the herd at will and there is no specific structure to the herd. Herds can be made up of all females, all males, or mixed genders of all ages. It is not uncommon for young males to form bachelor herds, and isolated individuals have been observed in the wild.

Adult male giraffes will establish dominance in the herd by sparring with one another. Sparring involves two individuals rubbing and intertwining their necks and heads. They will lean against each other to evaluate their opponent’s strength. Sparring may also include the two giraffes “necking” one another. Necking appears as the giraffe standing alongside one another and swinging their heads at the other giraffe. The strongest giraffe in this interaction will be established as the dominant male in the herd.

The Masai giraffe habitat at LV Zoo was built in 2016 and features opportunities for zoo guests to get up-close and personal with the animals through the Kiannala Feeding Deck. Joshua is accustomed to eating lettuce from guests as he did regularly at his prior home.

“The Zoo is excited to introduce the newest member of our family to the Lehigh Valley community,” said President & CEO Amanda Shurr. “Visiting the Zoo is the best way for the community to support our animals and staff, and we cannot wait to reopen our feeding deck so that our guests can get up-close to feed both Tatu and Joshua.”

LV Zoo expects to announce the opening of giraffe feeding deck in the near 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, 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.

Ali and Lehigh Valley Zoo COO Matt Provence visited ourJaindl Penguin Pavilion, which is currently undergoing improvements to make the exhibit space more naturalistic and more accessible to some of our older African penguins. Then they headed down to visit our kangaroos and wallabies where they discussed the construction of Habitat Madagascar, a brand new indoor-outdoor exhibit for our lemurs and tortoises that will break ground this spring.

Ali then met with Lehigh Valley Zoo Curator Maggie Morse at our Mexican gray wolves exhibit to discuss some of the fun things happening this weekend for Party for the Planet at the Zoo, and to share some of the great conservation success stories from Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) initiatives.

Lehigh Valley Zoo CEO Amanda Shurr then met with Ali at the Giraffe Barn, where the Zoo’s tallest resident, Masai giraffe Tatu, helped dish the inside scoop on a new resident coming to Lehigh Valley Zoo this spring. That’s right – another giraffe is coming to join Tatu as part of the giraffe Species Survival Plan (SSP) program!

Ali finished off her visit by catching up with Promotions & Special Events Manager Elise Yardley at the goat barn, where they discussed all the fun activities happening this weekend at Party for the Planet sponsored by Cougle’s Recycling, Inc. Guests visiting the Zoo this weekend will have the opportunity to actively engage with the Zoo’s mission of conservation through an array of fun activities like recycling games, a scavenger hunt, and Friday Zoo Tours. Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery will also be on site Saturday and Sunday to provide information on the importance of using native plants in gardening and landscaping.

Don’t miss Party for the Planet, as well as other upcoming Zoo events like Mothers Day at the Zoo, Migratory Bird Day, and Red Wine & Blue!

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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 Penguin Habitat is One of Several Projects Underway to Improve the Guest Experience

(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo announced plans for a major renovation to its African Penguin habitat – the Jaindl Penguin Pavilion at the zoo’s main entrance. The project is expected to start this week, which coincides with the penguins being off-exhibit due to the continued presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the North American flyway.

The renovations, being made by Authentic Environments USA, Inc., include updating the façade of the building to give it a more authentic representation of the South African habitat. The plans are designed to encourage the penguins’ natural behavior, from swimming to nesting and rearing young. The addition of ramps will also provide the older penguins easier access to all areas of the habitat. The Zoo is privileged to have an anonymous donor contribute half of the cost of the project, with the Zoo funding the remaining portion with operating funds.

LV Zoo is home to 12 African Penguins, ranging from ages five to 25. The African Black Footed Penguin is classified as Endangered; and, at LV Zoo, they are a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Program. An AZA Species Survival Program strives to manage and conserve a threatened or endangered species population by developing a Breeding and Transfer Plan that identifies population management goals and recommendations to ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically varied population. As an AZA accredited zoo, LV Zoo continually monitors exhibits for wear and tear and updates them on a routine basis using modern materials safe for animal use.

Given the recent detection of HPAI in the North American Atlantic flyway, LV Zoo’s most at-risk birds – the penguins in addition to barnyard birds, guineas, swan and geese – are currently off exhibit for their safety and well-being. Currently, the colony remains in its holding area while receiving the same exceptional care from the zoo’s animal care team. More information can be found on the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture website. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, with no human cases detected in the U.S.

Another project underway at LV Zoo is the addition of a secondary entrance that features a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant pathway, which will allow direct access from the zoo’s lower parking area. The new entrance, expected to be completed by Memorial Day, is being constructed by Schultz Construction Management Inc. and funded by Lehigh County. LV Zoo continues to expand its inclusion efforts to help provide guests of all ages and abilities the opportunity to enjoy all that the zoo has to offer.

These projects are alongside the plans for LV Zoo’s new exhibit – Habitat Madagascar – which is scheduled to break ground in May. This modern indoor/outdoor habitat will house the zoo’s Lemurs and Tortoises and allow these species to remain on exhibit year-round.

Community support remains crucial for LV Zoo to continue the high level of care and habitats for the residents under the zoo’s devoted care. Contributions can be made through the zoo’s website by clicking here.

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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.

AZA ZOOS ALONG THE EAST COAST BRACE FOR CONTAGIOUS HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA (HPAI)AFFECTING BIRDS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA TO MAINE

(Schnecksville, PA) – This week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the U.S., along the North American Atlantic flyway. With confirmed cases in South Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, Kentucky, Indiana, New York and Maine, identified in commercial and non-commercial flocks, HPAI is highly contagious among wild and domestic birds, causing extreme illness and or possibly death.

As a result of the highly transmissible nature of HPAI, Zoos along the east coast have started to implement enhanced safety precautions to protect the birds in their care. Working together to share timely and critical information, animal care teams at Lehigh Valley Zoo, Adventure Aquarium, Philadelphia, Elmwood Park, Brandywine, Erie , Maryland and Pittsburgh Zoos — supported by the USDA and APHIS — have elected to move the most susceptible species indoors to eliminate contact with wild birds on zoo grounds. Other precautions taken include higher levels of biosecurity for birds, personal protective equipment for staff; and restricted access to bird areas.

“The LV Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and proudly demonstrates how we are upholding some of the highest standards in the field,” Curator Maggie Morse said. “This is evident by our quick response to protect our resident birds from HPAI by working with other local AZA Zoos, our on-staff veterinarians and our animal care team. Our most at-risk species have been moved off exhibit and will be monitored by our dedicated staff. We will continue to keep a close eye on positive cases of HPAI ensuring we continue to provide excellent care to our Zoo residents.”

LV Zoo’s on-site veterinarians have started implementing an established protocol that was created to mitigate and keep our animals safe from outbreaks such as HPAI. At this time, due to the proximity of positive cases, barnyard birds, waterfowl and penguins have been brought inside since they are most at risk. Should cases be reported closer to the Lehigh Valley, the staff is prepared to act quickly to safely move the rest of our birds off exhibit.

Committed to protecting the birds in their care, the Zoos listed above will continue to work closely with each other, the USDA, the State Veterinary Medical Officer, APHIS and the Department of Public Health to stay current and abreast of any new updates. With many strains of the same virus, experts are still working to estimate how long this virus can affect birds in the U.S.

Symptoms of HPAI in birds include sneezing, coughing, walking or swimming in circles, and swelling of the legs and feet. Although wild waterfowl are the most common carriers, they are often asymptomatic while birds of prey, such as hawks and owls, and scavengers, such as crows and gulls, may show more severe infection. Other animals susceptible, include carnivores, non-human primates, and pigs with possible infection occurring after the animal consumes an infected bird or consumes food that has been contaminated an infected bird. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, with no human cases detected in the U.S.

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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 and Twitter.

In order to avoid driving issues or delays, please use one of our preferred routes on your way to the Zoo.

For vehicles over 8 feet tall (school buses, coaches, delivery vehicles, etc.), please either use one of the Rte 100 routes or the Vendor/Truck/Bus routes via 309.

   Preferred Routes   

At 14 years old, Naya was past the median life expectancy of North American river otters in the wild. As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), LV Zoo is committed to providing its animals with optimal welfare that allows them to thrive longer than their wild counterparts.

During Naya’s annual exam, LV Zoo veterinarians found a mass near her uterus. The mass was successfully removed during surgery last week, after which time Naya was closely monitored by LV Zoo staff. While she initially appeared to be recovering well, Naya declined rapidly and — despite staff efforts — ultimately passed away.

While mourning the loss, LV Zoo staff will be keeping a close eye on Luani as he adjusts to this change.

Since her arrival, Naya became known for her back flips and playfulness as she and Luani happily swam the waters of their habitat inside the Lehigh Valley Health Network North American River Otter exhibit. LV Zoo members and guests are encouraged to share any photos or memories of Naya on social media.

Guests can visit Luani during LV Zoo daytime winter hours of Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The LV Zoo is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day; though Winter Light Spectacular will open at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

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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 and Twitter.

Our otterly adorable female North American river otter, Naya, is approaching 14, which is past her typical life expectancy. During Naya’s yearly exam, our veterinarians found a mass near her uterus. To help us further investigate what this mass could be we took Naya to our partners at Valley Central for a full CT scan which gave us a better look.

The surgical team at Valley Central was then able to assist our staff veterinarians Dr. Householder and Dr. Prevolos with removing the mass so we can send off samples to find out what it is and what other treatments Naya may need. She is now recovering comfortably behind the scenes receiving lots of extra attention from her dedicated keepers and veterinarians. They will also be keeping a close eye on her partner Luani so they can safely reintroduce them when she is ready!

Keeping our animals happy and healthy is a group effort and we are so thankful for our community and our partners who help us keep our animals in good health.

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Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and 12 other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.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, 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 and Twitter.