Posted in Pennsylvania Attractions April 14, 2022 by Beth Price-Williams

You Can Hang Out With Otters At Lehigh Valley Zoo In Pennsylvania

Spending time with animals, at least for those of us who are animal lovers, just might be the very best way to relax. That’s why so many of us have pets; they just make life so much better. We’re fortunate to live in a state, too, that offers us unique opportunities to get up close with a variety of wild and exotic animals – from the elk that roam free in Benezette to the bald eagles that soar above Bald Eagle State Park. For a unique adventure, schedule an encounter with an adorable otter (or another animal) at Lehigh Valley Zoo in Pennsylvania.

Otters are just so darn cute that most of us just can’t help but “ohhh” and “ahhh” when we see one, whether in the wild or at the zoo. When you visit Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, you might want to spend a little one-on-one time with Luani.

A North American river otter, Luani participates in the animal encounters offered at the zoo. The otter encounter lasts between 20 and 30 minutes and welcomes up to six guests per party at a time.

A whole lot of fun is packed into that short amount of time, too. Encounters take place early in the morning before the zoo opens. That gives you the unique opportunity to offer enrichment ideas for Luani and tell the keeper where to put the enrichment activities.

Snap photos as you watch Luani swim and play, but that’s not all. You’ll also get to throw the adorable otter his breakfast. Can you think of a better way to start your day?

When your encounter has ended, you’ll be given a precious piece of artwork: a painting created by Luani, similar to this one created by another resident animal. Then head out into the zoo to explore before it opens and the crowds arrive.

Encounters with Luani are offered two days a week, beginning at 9:15 a.m. You must make a reservation at least a week in advance.

All participants must be at least five years old, and those guests under 18 must be with an adult.

Lehigh Valley Zoo also currently offers animal encounters with sloths, penguins, raccoons, and a Fennec fox.

Get all of the details, and plan your otter encounter on the official website of Lehigh Valley Zoo. Or, visit its Facebook page.

Have you participated in any of the animal encounters at the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Pennsylvania? Share your experience in the comments! For another one-of-a-kind animal adventure, book a stay at Skymeadow Farm Sanctuary in Greentown.

Address: Lehigh Valley Zoo, 5150 Game Preserve Rd, Schnecksville, PA 18078, USA