Lehigh Valley Zoo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Lehigh Valley Zoo

Entrance to the Lehigh Valley Zoo. June 2013.
Date opened	1974
Location	Schnecksville, Pennsylvania
Land area	29 acres (11.7 ha)
Coordinates	40°39′30″N 75°37′33″W / 40.658251°N 75.625956°W / 40.658251; -75.625956
No. of animals	275
No. of species	70
Annual visitors	100,000 + 30,000 students (2011)
Memberships	AZA

The Lehigh Valley Zoo is an exciting 29-acre zoo located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. It sits inside the much larger 1,100-acre Trexler Nature Preserve. The zoo is open every day of the year, so you can visit whenever you like!

Since March 2006, the Lehigh Valley Zoo has been approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This means it follows high standards for animal care and conservation.

History of the Lehigh Valley Zoo

The story of the zoo begins in 1906 with a man named Harry Clay Trexler. He started buying farms in Pennsylvania to create a special place. His goal was to protect animals like bison, elk, and white-tailed deer.

Mr. Trexler bought 36 farms, which added up to 1,108 acres. When he passed away, he left all this land to Lehigh County. In 1935, this area officially became the Trexler-Lehigh County Game Preserve.

Building a children's zoo within the preserve began in 1974. When it first opened, the zoo had fun petting and feeding areas. It also featured amazing animals from places like Africa, Asia, and Australia.

In 2004, the preserve's original goal of saving native species was achieved. Because of this, the entire preserve was opened to the public. At the same time, the Lehigh Valley Zoological Society took over running the zoo.

Helping Animals: Conservation Efforts

The Lehigh Valley Zoo is very involved in helping to save endangered animals. They participate in special programs called Species Survival Plans (SSPs). These plans are like special breeding programs for animals in zoos. They help make sure that endangered species can have healthy babies and survive for many years.

In 2009, the zoo was part of three important SSPs:

• African penguins
• Mongoose lemurs
• Scimitar-horned oryx

These programs help protect these amazing animals for the future.

Gallery

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  Grant's zebra

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  Dromedary camel

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  Laughing kookaburra

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  Dwarf crocodile

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  Mexican wolf

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  American bison

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  Ostrich

Images for kids

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  Christmas lights at Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, December 2020