If you’re looking for information about the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, you’re in the right place!
The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is both the largest zoo and the largest aquarium in Pennsylvania.
First opened on June 14, 1898, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is now home to more than 8,000 animals representing over 600 species.
The naturalized animal habitats are located in 9 distinct areas spread out across the zoo’s 77 acre footprint.
Not only do these large enclosures provide a more natural home for the animals, but they also provide multiple viewing angles for visitors.
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.
Animal Exhibits at the Pittsburgh Zoo
As mentioned previously, the zoo is home to more than 600 species of animals.
Some of them are what you’re grown to expect when you visit a zoo, such as the African lion.
Others, like the giant anteaters, are a bit less common but equally fascinating.
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.
The African elephants are another favorite of mine.
As the largest land-dwelling animals on Earth, these elephants consume a LOT of food each day!
Baby animals are always a crowd-pleaser, and this Amur leopard cub, born in March 2023, is no exception.
Speaking of leopards, this Clouded leopard inhabits The Islands, one of the nine themed habitat areas at the zoo.
While this Komodo Dragon inhabits the Forest Passage themed habitat.
The Tropical Forest is home to the Western Lowland Gorilla exhibit.
While the Water’s Edge is home to a fantastic Sea Lion exhibit.
One of the great features of the Water’s Edge is the opportunity for visitors to go BENEATH the exhibit!
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.
The PPG Aquarium at the Pittsburgh Zoo
As mentioned previously, the PPG Aquarium at the Pittsburgh Zoo is the largest aquarium in Pennsylvania.
This 45,000 square foot, two-story aquarium 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.
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.
The Off-Season hours (November 1 through March 31) are 9:30 am – 4:00 pm, with last admission at 3:00 pm.
Daytime admission prices range from $15.00 to $23.00, with discounts for children and senior citizens.
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 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!
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.
In addition to all the animal exhibits, there are numerous food courts and gift shops to check out, and photo-ops galore.
For more details about the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, please visit the zoo’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.
Related Attractions
The National Aviary in Pittsburgh is America’s largest independent, indoor zoo dedicated to birds.
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.
The Philadelphia Zoo is America’s oldest zoo, and one of the most popular attractions in PA’s largest city.
Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Union County is a zoo that specializes in exotic reptiles and amphibians from around the world!
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.
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