THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Get up close with Luani, a North American River Otter, during an exclusive private encounter at Lehigh Valley Zoo. Help prepare his habitat, feed him breakfast, and take home a unique keepsake.
Get up close with Luani, a North American River Otter, during an exclusive private encounter at Lehigh Valley Zoo. Help prepare his habitat, feed him breakfast, and take home a unique keepsake.
Book with Lehigh Valley Zoo
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Lehigh Valley Zoo · Schnecksville, Pennsylvania
Experience a unique and intimate wildlife encounter at the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. The Otter Encounter offers an exclusive chance to get one-on-one time with Luani, a North American River Otter. This private adventure allows you to assist zookeepers in preparing and enriching Luani's habitat, an important part of animal care that enhances his environment and keeps him engaged. Feeding Luani his breakfast is a thrilling moment, fostering a deeper connection with this playful and intelligent animal. Beyond interacting with Luani, you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore the zoo before it opens to the general public, giving you an exclusive and peaceful experience. To top it off, you’ll receive a special keepsake — a painting created by Luani himself — so you can take home a tangible memory of this extraordinary visit. Suitable for all ages and animal lovers, this encounter combines education, hands-on involvement, and fun in a way few other activities can match. Prepare to enjoy an inspiring morning surrounded by nature, wildlife, and the dedicated team caring for these amazing creatures.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels, as this is a mostly stationary and low-impact activity involving light walking and standing.
Yes, children accompanied by an adult can participate, making it a wonderful family experience.
For the safety of both guests and the otter, physical contact is limited and always supervised by keepers.
Food and drinks are not allowed near the animal habitats to maintain cleanliness and safety.
Dress comfortably and in layers appropriate for the season; closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Yes, photography is allowed but avoid using flash to prevent startling Luani.
It’s best to book at least a few weeks in advance as spots fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Lehigh Valley Zoo began as a wildlife park focused on preservation and education since 1974, evolving into a family-friendly animal haven in Schnecksville.
Lehigh Valley Zoo participates in regional breeding and habitat restoration programs aimed at protecting threatened native species like the North American River Otter.
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.
Book with Lehigh Valley Zoo