SCHNECKSVILLE ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Before Daybreak with Luani & Piper: A Private Otter Encounter at Lehigh Valley Zoo
A 30-minute, pre-opening, one-on-one experience where participants assist keepers, place enrichment, feed North American river otters, and take home an otter-made painting.
Before Daybreak with Luani & Piper: A Private Otter Encounter at Lehigh Valley Zoo.
Engage intimately with Luani and Piper, the Lehigh Valley Zoo’s North American river otters: arrive before the gates open to help keepers prepare the exhibit, design enrichment, and feed the animals during a private, 20–30 minute encounter that concludes with a keepsake painting from the otters and access to the zoo before public hours.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
One-on-one time with Luani & Piper
This private encounter places you close to two North American river otters—Luani and Piper—allowing each participant to feed and interact through protected contact during the session.
Hands-on habitat prep and enrichment
Under keeper guidance you’ll assist in preparing the otter exhibit for the day and create enrichment items, then watch how the otters investigate and play with what you designed.
An otter-made painting and early zoo access
The encounter culminates with a special painting made by the otters; additional paintings may be purchased, and participants are able to enjoy the Zoo immediately before it opens.
What the day feels like
What the encounter feels like
You arrive before public hours and meet keepers to receive a brief orientation. Working with staff you place enrichment items in the otter habitat and observe how Luani and Piper engage with your creations. Each participant feeds breakfast to the otters and interacts via protected contact during the roughly 20–30 minute session. At the end of the visit, keepers present a special painting created by the otters, and you are granted access to enjoy the zoo before it opens to the public.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this encounter suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
If you are redeeming an Otter Encounter Gift Card, have your electronic gift card code ready to enter during booking.
Once you choose an available date and select Private Group, use the 'Add promo or discount code' option to paste your electronic gift card code into the blank window that appears.
Participants will be at the Zoo before it opens and may enjoy the Zoo immediately following the encounter.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Otter Encounter last?
The experience runs roughly 20–30 minutes; the advertised duration is 30 minutes.
Where do I meet for the encounter?
The meeting location is 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078.
Which otters will I meet?
The encounters feature Lehigh Valley Zoo’s North American river otters Luani and Piper.
Is there an age minimum?
Yes; participants must be at least 5 years old to take part in the encounter.
Can I buy additional paintings made by the otters?
Yes; in addition to the special painting provided, up to two additional paintings can be purchased at an additional cost.
How do I redeem an Otter Encounter Gift Card?
Select an available date and choose Private Group; the 'Add promo or discount code' line will appear—click it and enter your electronic gift card code in the window that appears.