What ages are allowed?

All guests must be age 18 or older to attend Zoo Rendezvous.

Will I be able to touch the animals?

Interactions depend on the species and keeper guidance; some ambassador animals are touch-friendly under supervision while others are not.

Is wine included in the ticket price?

The event includes wine sampling as part of the dinner; the booking link will list specific inclusions and pricing.

Can I request vegetarian or other dietary accommodations?

Contact the zoo’s booking team via the reservation link prior to the event to request dietary accommodations.

What happens if it rains?

The event may include indoor and covered areas; the zoo will communicate any weather-related changes to ticket holders.

How do I reserve a spot?

Reserve through Lehigh Valley Zoo’s booking link provided on the event page; spaces are limited and often sell out.

After-Hours Zoo Rendezvous: Dinner, Wine & Ambassador Animals at Lehigh Valley Zoo | Zoo | Events

On cool winter evenings in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley Zoo opens its gates for an intimate after-hours experience that blends animal encounters with a chef-driven dinner and local wines. Zoo Rendezvous is a two-hour adults-only event that takes the typical zoo visit and flips it into a social, educational night out: doors open at 5:30 PM, a 30-minute animal mingle runs 5:40–6:10 PM, and dinner with wine samplings follows from 6:15–7:00 PM. This is the kind of event that works equally well as a memorable date night or a lively outing with friends, offering close-up time with Lehigh Valley Zoo's ambassador animals and keeper talks. Hosts introduce two ambassadors: one fan-favorite (examples include the two-toed sloth, African penguin, Eurasian eagle owl, North American porcupine, striped skunk, West African crowned crane) and one friend (three-banded armadillo, Argentine black and white tegu, blue-tongued skink, Lesser Madagascar hedgehog tenrec), giving guests a chance to ask questions and learn species-specific behavior and care practices. The evening’s meal highlights appetizers, an entrée, dessert, and wine samplings supplied by local wineries, which turns the zoo’s paths into an impromptu tasting circuit. Limited spaces keep the mood feeling intimate, so reservations are recommended early. All guests must be 18 or older, and spots often sell out. Practical tips: bring a government-issued ID, dress in layers for outdoor portions, and arrive on time to maximize the animal mingle. The event also serves as a reminder that Lehigh Valley Zoo functions as a local center for wildlife education and conservation, offering hands-on encounters that most daytime visits cannot provide. For people visiting the Lehigh Valley, Zoo Rendezvous is an unusual way to connect with animals, support regional conservation efforts, and enjoy thoughtfully prepared food without the crowds. Whether you are chasing a first-time penguin sighting or savoring a local wine pour, this pocket of nightlife delivers an accessible, informative, and deeply memorable animal-forward evening. Photography tips: use a fast lens for dim lighting, keep flash off around sensitive species, and favor short focal lengths to capture keeper interactions. Expect indoor and outdoor spaces, so waterproof footwear is helpful if weather turns. While the zoo provides the animals and interpretation, your attendance supports education programs and care for ambassador species. If you can, combine the evening with a daytime visit to explore other exhibits and deepen your understanding of the zoo’s role in local conservation. Reservations are through the zoo’s booking link, which lists the specific February dates (February 11, 18, and 25). Come ready to trade the ordinary for an evening of close animal encounters and memorable dining.

About Lehigh Valley Zoo

Lehigh Valley Zoo, located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, operates as a regional zoological attraction focused on animal encounters, conservation education, and family events. The Zoo offers a range of hands-on experiences including Penguin Encounter, Giraffe Encounter, Otter Encounter, and a West African Crowned Crane Encounter, plus seasonal events such as Breakfast with the Beasts, Zoostock, and the Conservation Gala. Membership gift certificates and tokens provide flexible ways to support the Zoo and enhance visits.

Experienced zookeepers lead guided programs and supervised encounters that allow visitors to feed, observe, and learn about animal behavior and conservation needs. Several offerings explicitly highlight conservation—Penguin Encounter educates about endangered African Penguins, and the Conservation Gala raises funds to protect wildlife and habitats. Event dates and times are publicly announced for specific programs, including scheduled dates for Breakfast with the Beasts and Zoostock.

The Zoo is part of community-focused programming in the Lehigh Valley region, hosting family-friendly activities and educational opportunities for all ages. Safety protocols and staff supervision guide interactive encounters to ensure animal welfare and guest safety. Tickets, membership certificates, and tokens are available for purchase and provide structured access to experiences, early entry events, and exclusive activities.

Lehigh Valley Zoo emphasizes accessible wildlife education, memorable up-close interactions, and ongoing conservation support. Visitors can plan visits around scheduled encounters, special events, and membership benefits while contributing to animal care and regional conservation initiatives.

The Zoo welcomes schools, families, and individual guests seeking educational outings, volunteer opportunities, and meaningful ways to engage with wildlife today.