NORTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Lehigh Valley Zoo officials on Monday announced the death of a more-than-decade-long resident.
Gemma, a fisher, died in the past week, according to a Facebook post.
She was placed at the zoo more than 10 years ago after officials at an animal rehabilitation center determined she couldn’t be released back into the wild.
“More affectionately known as Gemma Jams or Jammers, Gemma became a constant source of joy for all zoo staff and guests,” zoo officials said.
“With a propensity for mischief and mayhem, she could always be counted on to challenge her keepers and entertain guests with her antics.
“From splashing in her pool to burying her favorite things around her exhibit, Gemma’s boundless energy and love of life will be deeply missed by zoo staff and guests alike.”
What is a fisher?
Fishers are forest-dwelling members of the weasel family, found in the coniferous and mixed-conifer forests of Canada and the northern United States, according to the post.
Described as “a mid-sized carnivore,” on the state Game Commission’s website, fishers are the second-largest member of the weasel family in the commonwealth — behind only river otters.
Also known as a black cat, fisher cat, tree otter, tree fox and fisher weasel, among other names, fishers face habitat threats, such as excessive logging and clearing land for infrastructure, in addition to trapping for their fur.
“As an ambassador for her species for more than 10 years at LV Zoo, Gemma played a role in the zoo’s mission to educate guests about the importance of caring for our native habitats and ensuring that we always have safe homes for wildlife.”Lehigh Valley Zoo officials
“In the wild, fishers have an average lifespan of 10 years,” zoo officials said.
“As an ambassador for her species for more than 10 years at LV Zoo, Gemma played a role in the zoo’s mission to educate guests about the importance of caring for our native habitats and ensuring that we always have safe homes for wildlife.”
Gemma’s is the second death the zoo has announced in recent weeks.
This month, officials said Whiskers, a 31-year-old Palomino horse, died. She was the last remaining horse from the herd that once roamed the Trexler Nature Preserve.
