Exploring the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium

Exploring the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.

If you’re looking for information about the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, you’re in the right place!

Amur tiger cooling off in a waterfall at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Amur tiger cooling off in a waterfall at the zoo.

The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is both the largest zoo and the largest aquarium in Pennsylvania.

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is one of only six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the United States.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is one of only six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the United States.

First opened on June 14, 1898, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is now home to more than 8,000 animals representing over 600 species.

Nyala are a type of African deer.
Nyala are a type of African deer on display at the zoo.

The naturalized animal habitats are located in 9 distinct areas spread out across the zoo’s 77 acre footprint.

The Tropical Forest is one of nine animal exhibit areas at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
The Tropical Forest is one of nine animal exhibit areas at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Not only do these large enclosures provide a more natural home for the animals, but they also provide multiple viewing angles for visitors.

There are an estimated 400 Amur tigers remaining n the world today.
A young zoo visitor getting an up-close look at an Amur tiger.

In the paragraphs below, I’ll briefly describe some of my favorite exhibits at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, as well as provide you with the hours, directions, and admission prices.

Sharks at the Pittsburgh Zoo aquarium.
Sharks at the Pittsburgh Zoo’s PPG Aquarium.

Animal Exhibits at the Pittsburgh Zoo

As mentioned previously, the zoo is home to more than 600 species of animals.

The Masai giraffe is the tallest land mammal on Earth.
The Masai giraffe is the tallest land mammal on Earth.

Some of them are what you’re grown to expect when you visit a zoo, such as the African lion.

Lion at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Lion at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Others, like the giant anteaters, are a bit less common but equally fascinating.

Giant anteaters at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Giant anteaters at the zoo.

Being a “cat guy”, one of my favorite inhabitants of the Pittsburgh Zoo is this Amur Tiger, one of only approximately 400 left in the world.

Amur tigers are one of nine tiger subspecies, all of which are either endangered or already extinct.
Amur tigers are one of nine tiger subspecies, all of which are either endangered or already extinct.

The African elephants are another favorite of mine.

The African elephant herd at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
The African elephant herd at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

As the largest land-dwelling animals on Earth, these elephants consume a LOT of food each day!

An adult elephant consumes nearly 350 pounds of food per day.
An adult elephant consumes nearly 350 pounds of food per day.

Baby animals are always a crowd-pleaser, and this Amur leopard cub, born in March 2023, is no exception.

Amur leopard cub (born in 2023) at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Amur leopard cub (born in 2023) at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Speaking of leopards, this Clouded leopard inhabits The Islands, one of the nine themed habitat areas at the zoo.

A young Clouded Leopard at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
A Clouded leopard at the zoo.

While this Komodo Dragon inhabits the Forest Passage themed habitat.

Komodo Dragon on display at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Komodo Dragon on display at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

The Tropical Forest is home to the Western Lowland Gorilla exhibit.

Western Lowland Gorilla exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Western Lowland Gorilla exhibit.

While the Water’s Edge is home to a fantastic Sea Lion exhibit.

Sea lion exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Sea lion exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

One of the great features of the Water’s Edge is the opportunity for visitors to go BENEATH the exhibit!

Tunnel beneath the sea lion exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Tunnel beneath the sea lion exhibit in the Water’s Edge portion of the zoo.

Not all the exhibit areas feature exotic animals from far away lands – the Kids Kingdom area features numerous animals seen regularly in the United States, included these goats you (or your kids) can pet.

Goats are one of the animals you can pet at the Kids Kingdom portion of the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Goats are one of the animals you can pet at the Kids Kingdom portion of the Pittsburgh Zoo.

The PPG Aquarium at the Pittsburgh Zoo

As mentioned previously, the PPG Aquarium at the Pittsburgh Zoo is the largest aquarium in Pennsylvania.

Entrance to the Aquarium at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Entrance to the PPG Aquarium at the zoo.

This 45,000 square foot, two-story aquarium features numerous fresh and salt water habitats.

The PPG Aquarium at the Pittsburgh Zoo is a 45,000 square foot, two-story aquarium that features numerous fresh and salt water habitats.
The PPG Aquarium at the Pittsburgh Zoo is a 45,000 square foot, two-story aquarium that features numerous fresh and salt water habitats.

And while THESE Pittsburgh penguins have no Stanley Cups to their credit, they are nevertheless one of the most popular attractions at the PPG Aquarium.

Penguins at the Pittsburgh Zoo aquarium.
Penguins at the Pittsburgh Zoo’s PPG Aquarium.

Hours | Fees | Directions

The In-Season hours (April 1 through October 31) at the zoo are 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, with last admission at 4:30 pm.

Sea lion exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Sea lion exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

The Off-Season hours (November 1 through March 31) are 9:30 am – 4:00 pm, with last admission at 3:00 pm.

African elephant at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
African elephant at the zoo.

Daytime admission prices range from $15.00 to $23.00, with discounts for children and senior citizens.

A young visitor watching an otter swim at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
A young visitor watching an otter swim at the zoo.

Special events such as the Asian Lantern Festival at the Pittsburgh Zoo occur on specific days and require a separate admission fee – see the zoo’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE for information on these events.

The Terracotta Army represented at the Asian Lantern Festival at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
The Terracotta Army represented at the Asian Lantern Festival.

The zoo offers free parking in its Baker Street lot – use GPS coordinates 7370 Baker Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 to navigate to the parking lot.


Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a great daytrip destination in Western PA, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is a outstanding option!

Galapagos tortoise at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Galapagos tortoise.

Not only is it a fun and educational experience, but you’re admission fee helps preserve some of the most endangered species of animals on Earth.

The silverback in the Western Lowland Gorilla exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
The silverback in the Western Lowland Gorilla exhibit.

In addition to all the animal exhibits, there are numerous food courts and gift shops to check out, and photo-ops galore.

Polar Bear transport container display at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Polar Bear transport container display at the zoo.

For more details about the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, please visit the zoo’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

Up-close look at tone of the sea lions at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

The National Aviary in Pittsburgh is America’s largest independent, indoor zoo dedicated to birds.

A photo collage featuring four different birds from the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA. Top left: A Victoria crowned pigeon with elaborate feather crest. Top right: Two affectionate Hyacinth Macaws perched on a branch. Bottom left: A Toco Toucan with a large, colorful bill. Bottom right: A Steller's Sea Eagle with sharp yellow beak and intense gaze. The diverse avian life represents the variety of species housed at the aviary.
Scenes from the National Aviary in Pittsburgh.

The Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens is home to more than 400 animals, while the botanical gardens and greenhouse feature over 600 species of plants from around the world.

Exploring the Erie Zoo in Erie Pennsylvania.
Lioness at the Erie Zoo.

The Philadelphia Zoo is America’s oldest zoo, and one of the most popular attractions in PA’s largest city.

Tiger at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Tiger at the Philadelphia Zoo.

Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Union County is a zoo that specializes in exotic reptiles and amphibians from around the world!

A collage of photos from Clyde Peeling's Reptiland in Allenwood Pennsylvania.
Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland near Williamsport.

The Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den in Scranton offers an immersive journey into the aquatic and reptilian realms, showcasing a diverse collection of species in engaging, educational exhibits.

Collage of Electric City Aquarium exhibits in Scranton: mural entrance, shark display, coral reef tanks, and a crocodile.
Scenes from The Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den in Scranton.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.