The Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Animal Care and Maintenance staff recently had the opportunity to partner up with a local Boy Scout Troop to coordinate a project for the benefit of the zoo and the animals in the collection.

Enrichment such as this play structure is integral in making sure that the care that the animals that call the Lehigh Valley Zoo home have is constantly held to the highest standard.

After reviewing several possible project options, Boy Scout, William Barrett, with Scout Troop 57, Union UCC, Neffs, decided he wanted his project to earn the Eagle Scout award to benefit the goat herd at the zoo and he designed a wooden play structure for them.

Barrett, who lives in North Whitehall and attends Orefield Middle School, coordinated with keepers at the zoo to determine what the goats would like the most from the structure and also what would be safe and feasible for the exhibit.

The play structure includes several modular blocks that can be moved around to switch up the play structure and also some enrichment anchor points to add some extra stimulation to the structure.

The jungle gym was especially designed that at the highest point, the goats would not be harmed if they were to fall off. It also has other safety features including ramps leading up to the higher blocks and fencing blocking areas where they could stick their heads.

Barrett is a member of the same Scout Troop as Connor McCoy, who installed the camel shelter that provides cover for the camels while they are outside.

The Lehigh Valley Zoo thanks these Scouts for wanting to dedicate their time to making the zoo a better place.

Everyone is invited to come to the zoo and check out the goats having a blast on their new playground.

Barrett should complete all his Eagle Scout Award requirements by fall.