River Otter Piper Joins Luani in Lehigh Valley Zoo Otter Habitat

(Schnecksville, PA) – Lehigh Valley Zoo is thrilled to announce that Piper, the North American River Otter that arrived at the zoo in early March, has completed her quarantine period and two weeks of introductions with the zoo’s current otter, Luani. Piper is now out on exhibit with Luani and will be making her public debut on Friday, March 31.

During her introduction process to Luani, zookeepers closely monitored the two otters to ensure they were comfortable with each other before being placed together on exhibit.

Meanwhile, the Zoo took the opportunity to make repairs to the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital North American River Otter Exhibit. These modifications will enhance the exhibit and create a more comfortable and enriching environment for both otters.

Piper has quickly settled into her new surroundings at LV Zoo and has shown a great enthusiasm for swimming, playing, and interacting with her new companion, Luani. The Zoo is excited to offer Piper a new home and to use her presence as an opportunity to educate visitors about the crucial role of conservation efforts in protecting otters and other wildlife.

Luani and Piper are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of threatened and endangered species in accredited zoos and aquariums. Luani has been alone in the exhibit since Naya passed away in December 2021 at the age of 14 years old, which exceeded the median life expectancy of North American river otters in the wild. As a member of the AZA, LV Zoo is committed to providing its animals with optimal welfare that allows them to thrive longer than their wild counterparts.

The LV Zoo is open daily from 10am to 4pm beginning April 1 and the zoo encourages visitors to come and visit Piper and Luani as they swim together in their exhibit. With the addition of Piper, the zoo now has two otters, providing double the fun for visitors.

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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.