SCHNECKSVILLE, Pa. — As the Lehigh Valley Zoo nears completion of its first phase of improvements, the facility is preparing to launch into the most critical element of its $10 million Children’s Activity Area project: an expansive education center designed to triple the zoo’s capacity to host school groups and visitors.
Phase 1, featuring a modern accessible playground and the Fred & Anne Jaindl Family Barnyard, is nearing completion. Now, as construction moves into Phase 2 this spring, the zoo is focused on what officials describe as the heart of the transformation.
“Phase 2 is arguably the most important part of the project,” said Matt Provence, Chief Operating Officer at Lehigh Valley Zoo. “The Isaacman Education Center is going to be a much-needed piece for us.”
The education center, generously supported by Jared and Monica Isaacman, will provide multiple classrooms, expanded restroom facilities, a nursing station and changing rooms, and new exhibition space for ambassador animals.
Currently, the zoo’s assembly hall can accommodate only 75 students at a time, which is significantly limited for an institution dedicated to conservation education.
“When your mission is conservation education, you don’t want to turn groups away who want to bring students and youngsters out,” Provence said.
The facility will become the hub for the zoo’s education programming while providing a home for ambassador animals like sloths, snakes, turtles, and skunks that lack permanent habitats.
Phase 1’s completed elements have already begun transforming the visitor experience. The new Fred & Anne Jaindl Family Barnyard features interactive spaces where guests can view animal “bedrooms” and participate in brushing or feeding barnyard animals.
The updated playground addresses accessibility gaps in the previous equipment, which was outdated and not ADA-compliant.
“Our barnyard was older, falling apart, and couldn’t accommodate many more animals,” Provence said. “Now we’re going to have a state-of-the-art barn that’s going to be more interactive for our guests.”
The overall project aims to attract an additional 30,000 annual visitors, with revenues supporting expanded animal habitats, new exhibits, and improved guest amenities. Subsequent phases will include a marketplace with food and retail concessions, covered seating areas, and a splash pad.
Provence emphasized the broader significance of the education mission. “It’s not only about keeping the animal population strong and bringing in endangered animals and critically endangered animals and hopefully being recommended for breeding to keep those populations strong. It’s also about educating youngsters especially on things that they don’t necessarily learn in school about what’s so important about preserving the environment,” he said.
The zoo is a nonprofit institution that receives minimal federal and state funding. It relies instead on memberships, donations, grants, and operational revenue to support animal care and its commitment to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The overall project represents the zoo’s largest capital undertaking since becoming an accredited institution with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2006.
“As a nonprofit, we get very little funding at the federal or state level. So the majority of our funds have to be generated,” Provence explained. “The community can really help by supporting the project.”
The project has received lead gifts from major donors including the David & Jackie Jaindl Family Foundation, the Milosev Family Foundation, and numerous regional businesses and foundations.
For information about supporting the Children’s Activity Area, contact Director of Development Stefanie Timmins at [email protected] or (610) 799-4171 x232.
