The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium contains 1000s of animals, representing 400 species, in a natural habitat. It is made up of nine sections. Asian Forest is home to the leopard, tiger, and waterfowl. African Savanna features the flamingo, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, ostrich, zebra, elephant, and giraffe. Tropical Forest includes monkeys, orangutan, and gorilla. Cheetah Valley has, you guessed it, the cheetah. The Bears section has Kodiak, Spectacled, and Black Bear. The Aquarium houses many types of fish, coral, penguins, and stingrays. Niches of the World contains a Komodo dragon, snakes, and other small animals. Kids Kingdom delights children with its sea lion, playgrounds, White-tailed deer, beaver, kangaroo, goats, sheep, camel, and llama. The Discovery Pavilion is an education center. Rides consist of a Carousel and train. Safari Plaza is made up of Safari Pizza and Fries and Safari Grille.
The zoo is nice enough, but there are other zoos that I’ve liked better, such as the Miami Metro Zoo. The observation areas at the Pittsburgh Zoo are small. We went on a sunny Saturday afternoon and it was very crowded. It’s probably less crowded on weekdays. It was warm on the day we visited, but not too hot. However, if it’s hot on the day of your visit, there are four indoor areas where you can cool off a little.
As far as the Aquarium, there was a lot of hype before the opening, but it is not nearly as impressive as other aquariums I’ve been to. The only dolphin there recently died and has not been replaced. There are also some empty tanks. Also, you can’t touch stingrays like you can at some other zoos/parks. In addition, there are no touch tanks for the kids like at Sea World.
The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is open year round, except Christmas Day. The gates are open from 9 A.M. until 4 P.M. The zoo closes at 5 P.M. Adult admission is $8, children 2 through 13 are $5, $7 for over 60, and under two are free. Parking is $3. Allow three hours minimum or more if you like to read the information at each exhibit or if you have children. It took my husband, 15 month-old daughter, and I about three hours to get around the zoo, but we felt really rushed at the end.