Attraction of the Week: The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
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Since relocating to the ‘Burgh, Mike and I have been exploring most of the big city attractions as well as hidden gems. The Pittsburgh Zoo is quite unique as it is one of only 6 US zoos that is combined with an aquarium. Other top ranked zoos with this feature include: the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha and the Columbus Zoo. Although the aquarium is quite small, it’s convenient to be able to explore both tourist attractions within a single visit.
The zoo is located in beautiful Highland Park. In the summer months, I love strolling around seeing all the animals and then stopping by this park to enjoy the fountains and beautiful flower gardens.
The zoo opened to the public in 1898 following a donation from philanthropist Christopher Lyman Magee. 2026 marks the zoo’s 128th anniversary. New exhibits and park improvements are currently underway via new leadership.
A beautiful space home to more than 8000 animals
According to zoo records, 600 species and 8000 animals reside here currently. It is split into multiple sections which include: Forest Passage, African Savanna, The Islands, Tropical Forest, Jungle Odyssey, World’s of Discovery, Water’s Edge, and the PPG Aquarium.
The entire walk should only take an hour (maybe 2) at the most. The layout is easy to follow and all exhibits are clearly marked. We strolled around just about every weekend we were not traveling somewhere else. It’s a beautiful place to get in a nice weekend workout, and thus, I recommend a membership to all locals.
During your visit, you will see everything from flamingos, to polar bears, to red pandas. Unfortunately, a few notable animals are missing including the okapi (my favorite!), grizzly and black Bears, and camels. Nevertheless, you will get to see many of your favorites up close, as well as some endangered and rare species.
It’s a small space, but still pretty jam packed with a great variety of majestic animals. I like the flow and everything seems clean and well-maintained. The animals appear to have plenty of space.
Meet the animals!
Enjoy this photo thread of a few of my favorite exhibits. There are lots of regal cats here which I appreciate being a big cat lover.
The giraffes are super active during the summer and fall season. You can also feed them for an extra fee. A bit of a waste of money in my opinion. I prefer to listen to the ranger talks. You can check the upcoming schedule for more details.
The Water’s Edge exhibit features california sea lions and Northern elephant seals. Hawk, a beloved long time resident, recently passed away at the age of 18.
I have always loved anteaters. They are really strange looking creatures. They are the most endangered animal in Central America.
Meerkats are so adorable. I love when they stand up. Meerkats are part of the worlds of Discovery, an indoor exhibit also featuring many reptiles. I like coming in here for a bit to escape the heat during the summer months.
Aldabra tortoises are one of the largest. They can weight between 300-500 pounds and live over a 100 years.
The Philippine Crocodile is the most endangered out of the species. They can live 70-80 years, but unfortunately their numbers are dwindling.
Flamingos are so beautiful to look at, but man do they stink (even more so on a hot day)! According to a ranger talk we listened to a long time ago in Florida, it has something to do with how they cool themselves (not to be disgusting, but they pee on themselves).
The underwater polar bear viewing area is my favorite exhibit. Polar bears do not spend much time in the water (about 10% of the day according to the exhibit sign), so consider yourself lucky if you see them swimming in action! Fortunately, we have got to see them swimming on multiple occasions – I guess we got lucky!
All Apes are now considered endangered. The zoo has a partnership with Gorilla SAFE program. Though used electronic donations, the zoo helps aid in raising money for conservation efforts. I really like this program. I always have old phones and cameras that I don’t know what to do with so why not donate them to help a good cause? Learn more about this program. You will find a drop off box near the elevators.
The Red Panda
More than 25 endangered species live here including the Red Panda which everyone loves. I’ve visited a lot of zoos and visitors always congregate around this exhibit. I don’t blame them as they are really cute.
Less than 2500 estimated remain in the wild, due to poaching (for their pretty coats) and habitat loss (they reside in temperate bamboo forests in the eastern Himalayas). You will notice that these beautiful mammals look a bit like a mix of a racoon and panda.
This is because they are a relative of both. Fans of Super Mario Bros. 3 will likely remember the suit Mario transforms into via the leaf. However, while the fur looks similar to a red panda, this NES character’s tanooki suit was actually based off of the “tanuki,” the Japanese racoon dog.
Expect a line during the summer months. I try to get here as soon as it opens so I can watch them in peace.
Water’s Edge: Underwater polar bear viewing
At the Water’s Edge exhibit, you will have the opportunity to see polar bears swim underwater via a viewing tunnel. I’ve seen this at a few other zoos including the San Diego (home to an adorable Giant Panda) and Brookfield in Chicago, but it’s still a relatively rare exhibit.
This is a cute area of the zoo as it is modeled after a coastal village. You will also see sea otters and northern elephant seals.
Walk through kangaroo exhibit
This one is hidden in the Kings Kingdom so you might miss it. I actually passed this several times without knowing it. I haven’t seen this style of exhibit anywhere else, so definitely make time for it.
Tropical Forest
An indoor rainforest exhibit which features 16 primate species and more than 150 tropical plants. Since opening in 1991, this lush exhibit has been a favorite of tourists. It’s not as nice as the Tropic World at Brookfield in Chicago in my opinion, but a nice warm escape on a cold winter’s day. I love looking at Lemurs, they are so fascinating. Also notice the baby gorilla in the 3rd photo.
Underwater northern elephant seals viewing
Located in Water’s Edge near the polar bear viewing. This is a pretty cool exhibit – it’s similar to those tunnels you see in a lot of aquariums today. I love seeing the seals swim over my head.
Saba elephant reserve
You can view African Lions, Masai giraffes, African elephants, Amur Leopards, and Grant Zebras in an environment that mimics their natural grasslands savanna habitat. These exhibits are so lush and it is apparent that the animals are well taken care of by the staff.
The gorgeous lions
I was happy to capture this fun shot of the lions playing. If you like cats, definitely visit in the morning as this is when they are the most active.
The PPG Aquarium
As I mentioned earlier, admission to the aquarium is included. This is nice as you do not have to plan a separate trip and deal with the hassle and parking associated with a big city downtown aquarium. Just don’t go in expecting The Shedd in Chicago or you may leave disappointed. While this exhibit is decent, it gets really crowded and stuffy during the hot months. And thus, I skip this one unless I arrive early enough to beat the crowds.
Here are a few interesting exhibits:
Penguins: Two species of penguins live at the zoo: Gentoo penguins and Macaroni penguins. It’s easy to tell them apart as Gentoo have tuxedo coloration, while Macaroni are known for their golden feathers atop their head. 18th century English explorers, while discovering these penguins in Antarctica, named them after the popular macaroni fashion of the time.
Shark tank: The highlight of the aquarium is a large wall sized tank which includes colorful fish of many varieties.
Stingray tank: A hands on exhibit where you can touch the stingrays. I’ve never participated but the kids sure seem to enjoy it.
What I love most is walking around the beautiful waterfall and tropical gardens. It’s a nice warm escape on a cold winter day.
Location, parking, and fees
Address: 7370 Baker St.
Hours: 9:30am-5:30 pm (4:00 from Nov. 1st-March 31st), 7 days a week. Members get in at 9:00 (a great time to explore in peace!).
Pricing: $30 adults, $28 seniors, and $25 ages 2-13. During the winter months, tickets are a few bucks cheaper. If local, I would consider a membership which will easily pay for itself in about 3 visits. Pricing is current as of 2026. Check with the zoo for updates and special promotions.
Parking: Always free.
Accessibility: Service animals welcome, caretakers receive free admission (letter from a physician required), sensory friendly maps available, sensory friendly mornings on select days, wheelchair and stroller rentals available (reserve to ensure availability). For more details, please visit their website.
Special events
The zoo puts on a number of seasonal events. The Asian Lantern Festival is one of the best events of the summer. Update: This event has been renamed Wild Illuminations and now takes place in December.
The Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza is my favorite event thus far. I am a big fan of Halloween and I love the spooky theme and many jack o’lanterns you get to see here. They have seasonal pumpkin treats, a spooky lighted tunnel with fun music, and thousands of themed pumpkins on display. 100%, I recommend this event if you are into Halloween – it’s the top event in the city. Check out more pics from my visit.
Dining at the zoo
There are a few on-site snack shops, ice cream and Dippin’ Dots stands, and Jambo Grill featuring burgers and pizza. I recommend bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying more time in nature or waiting and trying a local restaurant after your visit.
Additional info
How much time do you need?
I would give yourself at least an hour and a half if this is your first time visiting.
When is the best time to visit?
Summers are so jam packed with tourists. I prefer visiting in the fall and winter months to avoid the crowds. Spring is a decent time temperature and crowd-wise.
Where to grab a cup of coffee before your visit?
If you need a pick me up before your visit, head over to Tazza D’Oro, a local coffeehouse which also serves delicious pastries.
What else to do nearby?
Stroll around Highland Park: This is a spacious park with volleyball courts, picnicking tables, gardens, and a 2.7 mile reservoir trail.
Explore the Strip District: This neighborhood just outside of downtown is known for its’ many restaurants, ethnic grocery stores, farmer’s markets, coffee shops, and meat and fish markets. The area was once home to many factories. Today, local businesses, tech companies, and residential housing have taken shop in converted warehouses. Tip: Visit the Heinz History Center to see Mr. Rogers set!
