(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is excited to welcome its guests back on Wednesday, July 1, with new safety protocols in place! Tickets will be available via online purchase only beginning 3 p.m. on Monday, June 29 at www.lvzoo.org/reopen.

The outpouring of support from guests has been incredible during the Zoo’s closure and Lehigh Valley Zoo is so appreciative. We know how much everyone has missed our lovable animal residents and we are committed to making sure your visit is as enjoyable as possible.

Lehigh Valley Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the highest accrediting body of zoos and aquariums in the country. As part of our accreditation, the Zoo is required to maintain the utmost levels of safety for our animals, staff, and guests. The Zoo’s Re-Opening Plan was created with this mind; utilizing resources throughout the AZA community. Lehigh Valley Zoo has also signed Vow of the Valley; “a set of voluntary commitments by local businesses to its employees and customers for the COVID-19 recovery period” (The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce). Safety is our first priority during this time and so we will be firmly following all protocols and have the right to refuse admittance or ask anyone to exit immediately.

For the safety of our guests, staff, and animals, please note tickets are only available online and will follow timed ticketing protocols. Listed below is a brief overview of our safety guidelines.

SAFETY GUIDELINES:

• Decreased capacity guidelines have been established and will be strictly enforced. Touchless scanning of admission tickets has been enacted.
• Face masks are required, except under age 2. This is not only for the safety of our guests but for the protection of our animals as they cannot wear a mask. Some of our animals (like our cats) may be more susceptible to the virus and we want to keep them as safe as possible.
• Guests will be required to practice social distancing. Signage and pavement markings have been established as reminders. Guest traffic throughout the Zoo will move in one direction. One-way traffic flow will be established through restroom facilities.
• Additional hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the Zoo. Enhanced cleaning protocols have been put in place to ensure that all high touch surfaces are cleaned frequently.
• Food service counters will be open and protected by a Plexiglas shield. Indoor retail stores will be open with limited entry and directional signage to provide one-way flow. Plexiglas shields are installed at the point of sale location.
• Giraffe and Lorikeet feedings and interactions are closed, as well as the playground area & Preston’s Pad. Water fountains are also closed, and guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.

For a full list of our safety protocols, please visit www.lvzoo.org/reopen. Please check back often as we anticipate certain protocols to change as restrictions are implemented or lifted based on the ever-evolving information surrounding COVID-19. We also appreciate your understanding and compassion as we all navigate this new normal together.

During its closure, Lehigh Valley Zoo has excitedly welcomed several new additions as well as grieved a few losses. Our new additions include two oryx calves (Bakuli and Maha), a baby bison (yet to be named), and Maggie the Mexican Grey Wolf! Each addition is critical in saving their species. Sadly, Voangy (a female lemur), Penelope (a female potbellied pig), Orange (a female Aoudad), and Petey (a male goat) passed away during the time that the Zoo was closed. If you feel compelled, we ask the community to please share stories or pictures of the animals who passed away to commemorate them. All the animals at the Lehigh Valley Zoo continuously received the best care for their unique needs, even during the closure. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank our guests for helping make this possible through their generous donations, Zoo merchandise purchases, and participation in fundraisers. Our community is truly amazing, and we cannot wait to welcome you back to our pack!

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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.