Information
Landmark: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG AquariumCity: Pittsburgh
Country: USA Pennsylvania
Continent: North America
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Pittsburgh, USA Pennsylvania, North America
Overview
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium in Highland Park, Pittsburgh, blends a bustling zoo with a vibrant aquarium, where you might spot a tiger lounging in the sun just steps from shimmering tanks of tropical fish.Only six places in the U. S. offer both sprawling zoo grounds and a full aquarium under one roof, and this is one of them.Spread across 77 acres, it offers a lush, natural setting for more than 4,000 animals from 475 species, including rare and endangered ones like the red panda.The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredits the facility, guaranteeing top-tier care for its animals, strong conservation efforts, and education that brings visitors face-to-face with wildlife.It’s also earned certification from American Humane Conservation, a seal you might spot on its entrance sign.You’ll find us at 7370 Baker Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, with the main entrance just off Butler Street.Pull into the lot out front for free parking-it’s right beside the building.The zoo’s paths are wheelchair-friendly, and you can rent one at the front gate.From March to May, the zoo opens at 9:30 in the morning, when the air still smells faintly of dew, and closes at 4:00 in the afternoon.The gates shut at 3:00 p.m., and a few buildings start locking up 15 to 30 minutes before the park officially closes.Hours change with the seasons, so grab the latest schedule from the official website before you go.Ticket prices change depending on the day and your age.On weekdays, adults (13–64) pay $23, kids (3–12) pay $20, and seniors (65+) pay $21.Weekends and holidays cost a bit more-$25 for adults, $22 for kids, and $23 for seniors.You can grab tickets online or right at the gate, where the scent of popcorn drifts through the air.Kids under two get in free-no ticket needed.Main Exhibits and Attractions - think towering sculptures and bright, bustling displays.The PPG Aquarium spans two floors and 45,000 square feet, with shimmering tanks that showcase aquatic habitats from every corner of the globe.You’ll see lush tropical rainforests, quiet freshwater habitats from Pennsylvania, and a sweeping open-ocean panorama.You’ll find colorful fish flashing through the water, sleek amphibians resting near the shore, bright coral reef creatures, and a variety of other aquatic life.Step two asks you to use a mix of short, punchy sentences and longer, more flowing ones, so your writing moves like a conversation.African Savanna - a wide, sunlit stretch built to mirror the sweeping grasslands of Africa, where dry wind brushes over tall, golden grass.It’s home to elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, and zebras, from the low rumble of a distant lion to the quiet flick of a zebra’s tail.It offers wide-open habitats filled with native plants, sparkling ponds, and winding trails where you can take in the view.Number three.Tropical Forest is an indoor rainforest where you can watch gorillas lounge in the shade, see orangutans swing through the trees, and spot other rare creatures from warm, lush climates.Thick green foliage surrounds you, creating the feel of a dense jungle, while narrow walkways rise overhead.Number four.Water’s Edge showcases a vibrant coastal and marine world, where polar bears roam icy rocks, sea otters float on their backs, and elephant seals bask in the sun.It features natural-looking pools and rocky edges, where sea lions splash and guests lean in close to watch.Five.The Islands & Jungle Odyssey spotlighted endangered species from remote tropical islands and dense, rain-soaked rainforests.It covers smaller mammals, birds, and reptiles, with a strong focus on conservation-think of a kestrel’s sharp cry over a quiet field.Number six sat alone on the list, a small dark mark against the pale page.Kid’s Kingdom is a family-friendly spot where kids can feed goats, pet rabbits, and explore other hands-on activities.It’s got playgrounds and hands-on exhibits that spotlight the area’s wildlife, from chirping songbirds to fox tracks in the sand.It invites younger visitors to dive in, touch, and explore, keeping them curious and engaged.The zoo takes part in several conservation programs, working to protect endangered species around the world-like the quiet snow leopard high in the Himalayas.It offers hands-on educational programs for schools, families, and curious visitors of every age, from preschoolers clutching crayons to retirees eager to learn.It offers special events, close-up animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and seasonal activities like autumn hayrides.Visitors can choose from several dining spots, from bustling cafés to snack stands serving warm pretzels.Gift shops brim with souvenirs, colorful puzzles, and soft plush animals.You can rent a stroller or wheelchair-grab one near the park’s front gate.All through the park, you’ll find picnic spots and shady benches, perfect for cooling off under a wide oak tree.Planning your trip?Head to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s official website to see what’s happening-special events, feeding times, even today’s schedule down to the penguin’s lunchtime.Try getting there early, when the air’s still cool, to catch the most popular animals stirring.Pack comfortable walking shoes-you’ll be covering a lot of ground, and by midday the gravel paths can feel endless.Seasonal events, from the glow of holiday lights to the bustle of summer camps, bring experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
