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Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

By , About.com Guide

African lions at the Pittsburgh Zoo

African lionesses relax in the sun at the Pittsburgh Zoo

©2006 Bonnie Cline
The 77-acre Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is one of only six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the country. Also ranked among the top three children's zoos in the country, the Pittsburgh Zoo has thousands of animals in naturalistic habitats, a wonderful Kids Kingdom and a stunning indoor aquarium. Actively involved in wildlife conservation and species survival, the Pittsburgh Zoo also exhibits dozens of threatened or endangered species.

>>Upcoming Events at the Pittsburgh Zoo<<


WHAT TO EXPECT:

Elephants (including two babies born in 1999 and 2000), giraffes, ostrich and zebras roam the African safari. Snow leopards and Siberian tigers stalk through the Asian forest. A steamy indoor (and noisy) rainforest is home to more than 90 primates from all parts of the globe, including cotton-top tamarins, orangutans and gorillas. The newest exhibit, Water's Edge, brings visitors nose to nose with polar bears, sand sharks, sea otters, sea lions and walruses via two underwater tunnels and a huge convex underwater window. Water's Edge is the only exhibit in the country with two underwater tunnels

The Pittsburgh Zoo adventure begins with a ride up a very tall escalator from the parking lot to the zoo entrance. From there, winding paths, cool shady groves, and natural exhibits make the Pittsburgh Zoo a great place to while away an afternoon. There's something for everyone at the Pittsburgh Zoo, from big cats, bears and majestic giraffes to "cool" snakes and tarantulas, and loveable meerkats and penguins.


PPG AQUARIUM:

Pennsylvania's only public aquarium, the PPG aquarium at the Pittsburgh Zoo features plenty of fun, up-close exhibits such as a crawl-through stingray tunnel, a two-story shark tank and unique revolving tanks (the first of their kind to be exhibited publicly). Real live coral, a Pacific giant octopus, jellyfish, potbellied sea horses and an electric eel are just some of the many aquatic species you'll discover.


KID'S KINGDOM:

The entire zoo is fun for kids, but they especially love the Kids Kingdom and Discovery Pavilion designed just for them. Kids Kingdom features a walk-through Kangaroo Yard, Deer Yard and Goat Yard where the animals get close enough for the kids to touch them! There is also a fabulous sea lion pool with underwater viewing window (and daily shows!) and crawl-through tunnels with pop-up bubbles where the kids can play hide-and-seek with meerkats. Kid's Kingdom has been ranked among the best children's zoos in the country.


SHOPPING AT THE PITTSBURGH ZOO:

Three gift shops at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium include a nice selection of items with a wildlife and environmental theme. Each shop (two in Safari Village near the zoo entrance and one in the PPG Aquarium) includes unique items.


DINING AT THE PITTSBURGH ZOO:

There are four separate eating areas at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. The Safari Grill Restaurant, open year-round, offers indoor seating and a wide variety of grilled items, sandwiches, salads, pizza, fries and ice cream.

The other three restaurants are open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Safari Plaza, located mid-way through the zoo, offers nice outdoor deck seating overlooking the gorilla exhibit, and an indoor dining room with a view of the bear dens and the Cheetah Valley exhibit. Safari Village Restaurant is located near the zoo entrance, and the Animal Connections Cafe is located in Kids Kingdom.


HOURS & ADMISSION:

Hours: The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is open every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year's Day. Hours vary by season, and the gates close an hour before the zoo:
  • Spring (Apr. 1 - Friday before Memorial Day)
    9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Admission gates close at 4:00 p.m.

  • Summer (Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day)
    9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    Admission gates close at 4:30 p.m.

    Note: The Pittsburgh Zoo will close at 3:00 p.m. on June 11 and 4:00 p.m. on July 30

  • Fall (Tuesday after Labor Day through Dec. 31)
    9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Admission gates close at 4:00 p.m.

  • Winter (Jan. 2 through Mar. 31)
    9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Admission gates close at 3:00 p.m.

Pittsburgh Zoo Admission:

Apr. 1 - Nov. 30 - Adults $13.00, Seniors (60+ years of age) $12.00, Children (2-13) $11.00, Members and children under 24 months are free. Parking is also free.

Dec. 1 - Mar. 31 - Adults $9.00, Children (2-13) and Seniors (60+ years of age) $8.00. Members and children under 24 months are admitted free. Parking is also free.


DRIVING DIRECTIONS

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is located approximately 5 miles east of downtown Pittsburgh in Highland Park.
Driving Directions to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Public Transportation
The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is easily accessible from all sides of the city and from downtown Pittsburgh. Visit Port Authority Transit to learn the bus stop and bus number that is nearest to you.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
One Wild Place
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206
(412) 665-3640 or 1 (800) 474-4966

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