The Pittsburgh Zoo

The Pittsburgh Zoo opened to the public on June 13, 1898. The zoo had exhibits of animals and plants people had never had the opportunity to see before. The Pittsburgh Zoo was very different then, it was more of a menagerie rather then the more natural habitats we see now.

In 1937 the Pittsburgh Zoo started to evolve, beginning with the outdoor bear exhibits. A generous grant from the Sarah Mellon Scaife foundation funded the first Children’s Zoo in Pittsburgh. It was a welcome addition providing imaginative and entertaining exhibits for the children. After all what little one didn’t love walking across the spongy tongue of the giant whale. Of course there was also the giant hunk of cheese that housed dozens of mice.

The Aqua Zoo opened in 1967, at that time it was the only public aquarium in Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh Zoo has continued to expand with new and more interesting exhibits always considering the care of the animals housed there.

In 1980 a plan was developed which continues to this day. Between 1980 and 1990 more naturalistic habitats were developed for the animals. The Asian Forest, which opened in 1983, was the first. In 1987 the African Savanna, which contained seven major exhibits opened.

The Tropical Forest Complex opened in 1991. The complex houses a five-acre rainforest with 16 species of primates and over 100 tropical plants. The Children’s Zoo also changed that year, it was revamped into a Children’s Farm. Children can see many domestic animals there, and also animal care demonstrations. In 1992 after it renovation Niches of the World reopened. Niches of the World contain many reptile, amphibian and small animal displays.

The Education Complex was built at the" Pittsburgh Zoo in 1994, it contains a lecture hall, library and classrooms. In 2002 it was expanded to two stories, which also included more classrooms and an animal holding area.

In 2000 a multi million dollar Aquarium, opened exhibiting thousands of aquatic animals. This actually doubled the size of the Aqua Zoo, the Aquarium is home to more than 4, 000 aquatic animals from around the world, including penguins, stingrays, jellyfish, an electric eel, among thousands of fish.

The most recent exhibit is Water’s Edge, check out the Polar Bears and sea Otters, swimming right above you. It is another outstanding example of the commitment of the Pittsburgh Zoo to provide us with a unique Zoo experience while maintaining the safety of the resident animals.

Remember the Pittsburgh Zoo has something for everyone and it is an attraction you don’t want to miss. Visit the Pittsburgh Zoo today!