(Schnecksville, PA) – Winter Light Spectacular has recently been featured in a Los Angeles Times travel article highlighting some of the unique a notable holiday activities that can be found throughout the Lehigh Valley!

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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 and Twitter.

(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.

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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 and Twitter.

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), has officially announced that another scimitar-horned oryx calf has been born into the herd. LVHN is the Official Motherhood Partner of the LVZoo.

This marks the third addition to our oryx herd since the spring of 2020.

The new, yet-to-be-named calf is reported healthy and nursing from his mother, Donnar. This little one is a very large newborn so guests will have to look closely to see which one he is in the herd! Donnar has also remained healthy throughout the process and as an experienced mama took to motherhood again with ease.

Oryx calves typically stand within the first hour of birth, which the LVZoo’s newest addition demonstrated for his keepers. Already, he is adjusting well to the herd and keepers believe he is very smart as he has caught on quickly to herd tendencies. His favorite place to hang out is on a big soft pile of hay.

Since scimitar-horned oryx are considered extinct in the wild, this is a huge celebration for the LVZoo, which is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a participant in the Species Survival Plan for scimitar-horned oryx.

Oryx calves weigh an average of 22 pounds at birth and measure approximately 25 inches from the shoulder to the hoof, whereas human babies average seven-and-a-half pounds and approximately 19 inches from head to toe.

Additionally, oryx pregnancies last between eight to eight-and-a-half months and the young become fully independent at around the 14-week-old mark. Both male and female calves reach sexual maturity by two years old.

The newest resident of the LVZoo still needs a name. In partnership with LVHN, the LVZoo is hosting a naming poll on Facebook. The zookeepers will narrow down their list of possible names to four finalists. Fans will then decide the official name by voting for their favorite one on Facebook!

Anyone interested in helping further the care of the new calf – or any of the animals – during this critical time is encouraged to visit lvzoo.org/SustainOurMission.

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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.

(Schnecksville, PA) – The Board of Directors of the Lehigh Valley Zoological Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Shurr as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Zoo. Amanda has served in the interim role for the last eight months, since the end of 2019. Prior to that, Amanda served as the CFO of the Zoo since 2018.

Amanda’s appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive seven-month search process. A committee consisting of members of the Board and the help of Zoo Advisors, a Philadelphia based executive leadership search firm, evaluated over 25 qualified candidates for the role. The committee also worked closely with Zoo staff throughout the process. As a key partner to the Zoo, Lehigh County Director of General Services, Rick Molchany, also had the opportunity to participate in the interview process.

“The County of Lehigh continues to support our residents’ needs for quality of life activities and the Zoo provides a family fun destination to learn about conservation management. Amanda has been a pleasure to work with, while we continue to plan quality of life improvements. I believe she’ll do a fantastic job as the caretaker of this fabulous asset,” said Molchany when asked about the appointment.

Dr. Michael Pasquale, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Lehigh Valley Zoological Society, says, “The Board is confident that given Amanda’s success since January, her abilities to deftly manage finances and the business aspects of the role, her relationship with the team, and her knowledge and experience of the Zoo, Amanda is the right person for the role at this time and the person to guide the organization into the future.”

“I feel very privileged that the Board has entrusted me with this responsibility. Leading the organization during this time has not been easy, but I feel very strongly about the team that we have in place at the Zoo. We tackled the challenges of the pandemic and the closure of the Zoo earlier this year together as a team. We worked hard and got creative, and that is what will keep us moving forward,” Shurr said.

The Zoo was mandated to be closed from March 17 through June 30 and now operates at reduced capacity. As a result, the Zoo has lost an estimated $1.3 million in revenues. When faced with the prospect of being closed during some of their most popular months of the year, the Zoo launched its #SustainOurMission campaign to raise funds for the Zoo operations; most importantly the care of the animals.

“While some businesses were able to shut down earlier this year and save operating funds, the Zoo was unable to do that. Our Animal Care staff are essential and they reported to the Zoo daily to ensure that our animals received the highest level of care possible,” stated Shurr when asked about the impact of the Zoo closure.

As part of #SustainOurMission, the Zoo has launched a number of different fundraising events and activities, including the Drive Thru Zoo held earlier this year while the Zoo was closed to foot traffic. The Zoo will also be hosting its annual Conservation Celebration, one of its largest annual fundraisers, on Sunday October 4 at the Zoo.

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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 and Twitter.

(Schnecksville, PA) –It is with deep sadness that the Lehigh Valley Zoo announces the passing of our 13-and-a-half-year-old Mexican gray wolf, Beta. He was under very specific veterinary care for more than two years due to chronic ailments associated with his advanced age. His keepers reported seeing him alive and well in the morning, only to find him deceased later that day.

Wolves are extremely family oriented and each wolf plays an important part in the pack. The loss of Beta’s brother, Alpha, in February resulted in the remaining brothers to be unsettled for weeks following his passing. Beta eventually assumed the role of alpha and the introduction of our new female, Magdalena, did restore order to the pack as the three forged a new familial bond. Keepers anticipate there to be unrest between the remaining two as they adjust to life without him and will closely be monitoring their behaviors for any changes. Guests may hear or see the wolves behaving strangely, so we ask for quiet and understanding as they cope with their loss and figure out their new dynamic moving forward.

Mexican gray wolves are a subspecies of gray wolf, often referred to as “el lobo”, and are the most endangered subspecies of wolf in the world. Just like each wolf is important in the pack, each wolf in the wild plays a vital role in maintaining nature’s delicate balance.

The Lehigh Valley Zoo is one of approximately fifty zoos and conservation centers helping to rehabilitate Mexican gray wolves. This subspecies was nearly brought to extinction by widespread trapping and poisoning in the early 1900s. After reintroducing Mexican gray wolves, there are a minimum of 163 in the wild and approximately 400 in the captive breeding program as of 2019.

The Lehigh Valley Zoo is proud to support the recovery of the Mexican gray wolf population, and will continue to educate the public on these fascinating and beautiful animals in hopes they will one day have a sustainable wild population. By supporting AZA accredited zoos and aquariums, you can help save species like the Mexican gray wolf.

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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 and Twitter.

(Schnecksville, PA) –It is with heavy hearts the Lehigh Valley Zoo announces the death of its male mongoose lemur, Devlyn, who passed away peacefully in the company of his care staff.

At 23 years old, Devlyn exceeded the average life expectancy for his species – which is typically 21 years old. His keepers lovingly referred to him as a “very sweet lemur who enjoyed socialization time;” an important part of his daily enrichment.

Devlyn greatly contributed to the LV Zoo community and his species as mongoose lemurs are critically endangered. Mongoose lemurs are important pollinators due to their preference for flowers. Sadly, every species of lemurs is endangered due to being endemic only to Madagascar and several surrounding islands. They are highly susceptible to habitat threats; and slash-and-burn agriculture has affected their population numbers while fragmenting forests has prevented populations from mingling.

As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), LV Zoo works continuously to help save species through Species Survival Plans (SSP) in accordance with AZA and its conservation efforts. Currently, the zoo is working with the SSP on recommendations for a male and female lemur that are genetically compatible and could potentially contribute to the SSP in the future.

Devlyn’s spunky and curious personality will greatly be missed both by those who would often observe him climbing the tree on Lemur Island as well as by the staff who provided his care. The LV Zoo appreciates the community’s support during this difficult time.

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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 and Twitter.

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 hopping for joy over the announcement of two kangaroo joeys! LVHN is the Official Motherhood Partner of the LVZoo.

First time mom, Cara, and second time mom, Sadie, have recently shown enlarged pouches and a significant pouch movement; indicating a joey is present. Keepers have also occasionally observed a foot sticking out of the pouch and they are eagerly waiting for the little ones to emerge.

Last year, Sadie gave birth to the then newest member of the mob, Hopscotch. The three new additions were all fathered by George, the lone male kangaroo at the Zoo.

Kangaroo pregnancies and newborns are unique, as joeys are born and then continue to grow inside the pouch. When they are born, newborn joeys are smaller than a cherry. After birth, the mother will lick a pathway up the fur of her pouch for the joey to climb unassisted into the pouch where it stays until it is between 2 and 4 months old. For this reason, our kangaroos don’t have birthdays but “pouch days”! A “pouch day” is the first time a joey makes an appearance outside the pouch and can be seen on exhibit, so it is difficult to determine the exact day a joey is born.

While joeys will occasionally leave the pouch to explore, they will immediately dive back into the pouch if they feel scared or sense danger. As joeys grow, it is a common occurrence to see their head and feet hanging outside of the pouch since they are becoming larger over time. The pouch will continue to expand to accommodate their growth. When joeys are between eight and ten months, they are mature enough to leave the pouch for good. During this time, the mother kangaroo can produce two different types of milk to feed two separate babies: one that has emerged from the pouch but is still nursing and another newborn.

The newest residents of the LVZoo still need names. In partnership with LVHN, the LVZoo is hosting a naming poll. The zookeepers have narrowed their list of possible names down to five finalists — Taz, Jenga, Jax, Uno, and Jinx. Fans will then decide the final official names by voting for their favorite one in person at the Lehigh Valley Zoo using tokens. Two lucky winners will receive a family four pack for picking the winning name!

Anyone interested in helping further the care of the new joeys– or any of the animals – during this critical time is encouraged to visit lvzoo.org/SustainOurMission or to donate on the Zoo’s Facebook page.

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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.