Take a backyard vacation at the Lehigh Valley Zoo

Lehigh Valley Zoological Society and Lehigh Valley Zoo
Celebrate Fourth Spring with Founders Club Celebration

It has been over three years since the Lehigh County Commissioners and Administration partnered with the Lehigh Valley Zoological Society (LVZS) to keep the Zoo at the Trexler Nature Preserve open. On Saturday, March 8th, the Zoo will recognize some of the leaders in our community that had the vision and passion to say “I love the Lehigh Valley and I love the Zoo – keep it open!” These leaders ranged from government officials to everyday folks like you and I. A group of very passionate local residents formed the Lehigh Valley Zoological Society and poured their time and personal resources into starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – hiring the staff, creating infrastructure for the business, and soliciting support. Over 300 members of the community signed on as Founder’s Club members. Since then, 3,000 more have joined the Lehigh Valley Zoo as loyal members and close to 250,000 guests have visited. The professional team of skilled educators, animal care personnel, guest service staff, and recognized leaders in Zoo management, operate the Lehigh Valley Zoo and also manage and care for the Elk, Bison and Palomino herd on the scenic 1,100+ acre Trexler Nature Preserve. This dedicated team is second to none. They educate over 30,000 children a year, maintain a diverse collection of animals, and provide a clean, safe, and rewarding experience for all the families and visitors of the Lehigh Valley.

In 2008, Wildlands Conservancy, DaVinci Science Center, and Lehigh Valley Zoo have partnered on many educational and fun activities that should touch every student in the Lehigh Valley. In addition, Lehigh Valley Zoo has formed unique partnerships with the Allentown Art Museum, Allentown Public Library, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, PBS 39 WLTV, and the State Theater Center for the Arts. Collaborative community partnerships like these make the Lehigh Valley a great place to live, work, and recreate.

Financially, the Lehigh Valley Zoo relies on support through a combination of grants and donations. Lehigh County has provided operating support for the past three years and will continue to provide support through 2009 as part of the lease agreement with the Lehigh Valley Zoological Society. Local businesses including Ironton Telephone, The Lehigh Group, Lehigh Cement Company, Air Products and Chemicals, Keystone Nazareth Bank & Trust, Embassy Bank, and many others have taken a leadership role in supporting the Zoo. Public grants, individual support, membership, admissions, education programs, and concessions provide the remainder of the $1.9 million operating budget for the Zoo.

In 2006, the Lehigh Valley Zoo received accreditation from the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which places the Zoo in the top 10% of zoos in the country who have earned this professional status. Our Executive Director, Mr. Stacey Johnson, is a recognized leader in the Zoo industry. He serves on the AZA accreditation review committee, and Chairs the Species Survival Plan Committee for Jaguars, and the Bear Taxon Advisory Group.

Over the past three years, the Lehigh Valley Zoo has consistently worked hard to provide exceptional care for the animals by improving the veterinary clinic, increasing the number of animal keepers, and developing enrichment programs for all the animals. The Zoo has introduced several new exhibits since 2005 including Outback Adventure, Lorikeet Landing, and the first-phase of Wanyama Africa featuring Aoudad, Crowned Crane, Dromedary Camel, Plains Zebra, Scimitar-horned Oryx, and Spurred Tortoise. The Zoo also added a playground and relocated the children’s touch and learn area. To participate in AZA’s Year of the Frog, the Zoo has acquired a collection of amphibians to enhance the Zoo’s educational outreach programs and address amphibian conservation. Later this year, the Lehigh Valley Zoo plans to add Mongoose Lemur and other captivating animal species.

As a leader for tourism and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley, I would like to suggest that the families of the Lehigh Valley add a “backyard vacation” to their list of things to do this year. Re-invest back into the region with a trip to the Lehigh Valley Zoo, catch a ballgame, spend an evening at the theater, an afternoon at the museum, a walk on one of the rail trails or a hike in the Trexler Nature Preserve. This is how we can all do our part to make the Lehigh Valley a sustainable community.