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Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park
Hamlin, Pa.
This zoo in the Poconos may seem small when you pull into the parking lot, but don’t be fooled: it takes about two hours to walk the grounds. White tigers, a giraffe (which you can feed at scheduled times), baby otters, a baby gibbon, lions, baby coatis and more are the stars here.
570.698.6154, www.clawsnpaws.com

Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland
Allenwood, Pa. (near Williamsport)
Reptiland, open since 1964 and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, specializes in reptiles and amphibians. Clyde Peeling, who has appeared on “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” at least 15 times with his animals, has helped educate and alleviate fears regarding some of the world’s creepier, crawlier creatures.
“People came to places like Reptiland because there was a certain fear, but also a curiosity,” Peeling said. “I have to say I’ve seen a big change in the 40-some years I’ve been in business. I think most people, even if they don’t particularly like snakes, they understand that reptiles and amphibians are part of nature. They are far more interested in the animal, and not just the sensational part of it.”
Peeling has a few traveling exhibits, including a gecko exhibition built for Geico.
800.REPTILAND, www.reptiland.com

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
Hershey, Pa.
The sheer diversity of American animals is broken into geographical segments: Southern Swamps (alligators, crocodiles, roseate spoonbill); Big Sky Country (bison, elk, mountain lion, prairie dogs, golden eagle); Northlands (wolf, Canada lynx, porcupine, raven); The Great Southwest (roadrunner, gila monster, kingsnake) and Eastern Woodlands (black bear, red-tailed hawk, bobcat, river otter, white-tailed deer).
717.534.3900, ZooAmerica.com
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Schnecksville, Pa. (near Allentown)
Boasting wolves, kangaroos, otters and camels, the Lehigh Valley Zoo mission, is, in part, “to be a leader and model for wildlife conservation, education and animal welfare.” The park is currently running “Pennies for Penguins,” an effort to bring an African penguin exhibit to the zoo.
610.799.4170, www.lvzoo.com