Visitors to the Lehigh Valley Zoo, 5150 Game Preserve Rd, Schnecksville, recently had an opportunity to interact with their local emergency services during the zoo’s third annual Community Safety Day Aug. 15.

The event featured visiting emergency personnel from Northern Valley EMS, Schnecksville Community Fire Company No. 1 and Neffs Volunteer Fire Company Station 16, as well as horseback officers from the Bethlehem Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit.

First responders distributed informational pamphlets, coloring books and firefighting helmets to younger guests and also provided close-up looks at their rescue vehicles, uniforms and equipment.

The Mounted Patrol Unit offered zoogoers the opportunity to pet their horses, and visitors also had the chance to chat with Sparky the Fire Dog to learn more about fire safety.

Additionally, visitors also enjoyed the zoo’s exhibits – particularly the giraffes, kangaroos, ostriches, penguins and wolves - and participated in the goat and swan feeding activities.

The Lehigh Valley Zoo is currently open with reservations required and timed ticketing procedures in place. Zoogoers over age 2 are required to wear appropriate face coverings, maintain 6 feet of social distance and follow the one-way directional arrows around the zoo.