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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, as this is a mostly stationary and low-impact activity involving light walking and standing.
Wildlife
History
Lehigh Valley Zoo began as a wildlife park focused on preservation and education since 1974, evolving into a family-friendly animal haven in Schnecksville.
Conservation
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
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.
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.
Location
Schnecksville, PA
Accessible in the Lehigh Valley
Encounters
10 experiences
Hands-on programs for all ages
Events
Seasonal dates
Special events with scheduled dates
Conservation
Fundraising gala
Supports wildlife protection
Book encounters, purchase memberships, or collect tokens to create lasting wildlife memories and support conservation.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to complete any registration and get settled comfortably.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Dress casually and in layers since you’ll be both indoors and outdoors during the visit.
Follow Keeper Instructions
Always listen carefully to the zookeepers for safety guidelines and animal handling advice.
Bring a Camera
Capture your special moments but avoid flash photography to keep Luani calm and comfortable.
Comfortable walking shoes
Support your feet during your time at the zoo and moving between enclosures.
Light jacket or layers
Spring weather can be cool; layering ensures your comfort throughout the visit.
spring
Sunscreen
Protect your skin during any time spent outdoors in the summer months.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture memorable moments of your unique otter experience.