Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Barnyard Revamp Moves Forward with Expedited Approval

The Lehigh Valley Zoo’s proposed barnyard renovation has received a recommendation for an expedited review process from the North Whitehall Township Planning Commission.

This marks the first phase of a four-phase, $10 million improvement plan. The project involves demolishing the existing barn and surrounding structures to build a larger, 3,000-square-foot barn with an additional 2,000 square feet of covered space. The new facility will house all barnyard animals under one roof, enhancing the experience for visitors, staff, and animals alike.

Bohler’s Bethlehem team is providing site civil engineering for the project and has donated conceptual plans for all phases to support the zoo’s nonprofit mission. Currently authorized on Phase 1 — the barn and barnyard — Bohler anticipates continued involvement in future phases, including an education center, a splash pad recreation area, and concession upgrades.

To accelerate construction, Bohler’s Donald Peters and Zoo CEO Amanda Shurr requested a waiver of the land development process, which could shorten the timeline by three months. The planning commission approved the recommendation in a 5-2 vote, and the decision now rests with the township’s board of supervisors. If approved, construction is expected to begin later this spring.

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