PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has announced big plans for one wild future.
This ambitious two-decade master plan will revitalize the entire Highland Park campus, focusing on the well-being of its animal residents and the development of habitats and experiences.
Zoo officials say the first phase of the plan, which will take place over the next five to seven years, encompasses a new front entrance and accessible path, a modern, expanded giraffe barn, a revitalized orangutan habitat, and the Zoo’s Education Complex.
Guests can expect to see early modifications to the park begin in early winter.
With the ever-increasing urgency of fighting biodiversity loss and climate change, Zoo officials say their mission to connect people to wildlife and inspire our communities to conserve nature for future generations is more critical than ever.
“The master plan blends our rich history with cutting-edge technology and innovation,” said Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium President and CEO Dr. Jeremy Goodman. “Our footprint will be revitalized and energized with dynamic habitats and updated facilities, with a major concentration on animal well-being.”
At the entry gates, guests will see a temporary entrance path implemented in November.
The new front gates, to be opened in early summer 2025, will introduce a new entry process, with smoother, modern processes for Zoo Members, visitors, and groups.
Officials say green spaces and restrooms will also be introduced to the area.
Early animal habitat changes include a new state-of-the-art giraffe barn, which will provide:
- A large dayroom.
- Year-round viewing.
- Opportunities for public interactions and feedings.
- Ample hay storage for resident favorites Lewis and Sox.
Like all Zoo habitats, the design of this new location will reflect the latest standards of animal well-being, following Association of Zoos & Aquariums standards, and support the potential for a larger herd at the zoo.
An expanded giraffe yard, directly connected to the new barn, will also allow for a longer outdoor season.
Moving forward, zoo officials say the plan includes a whole new multi-level outdoor habitat and location for one of the zoo’s most popular primates, the Bornean orangutan.
Once completed at the highest point of the zoo, the new Island centerpiece will be a large habitat for orangutans, siamang, and Malayan tapirs.
Zoo officials say this hillside location will encourage orangutans and siamang to engage in natural swinging behaviors while tapirs enjoy the waterfalls and pools below.
The state-of-the-art animal care facility will allow for off-season viewing during the winter and provide guests with wide views across the entire zoo.
“Innovative animal habitats will allow for ever-changing guest viewing opportunities and immersive environments that showcase the natural behaviors of our animals,” said Goodman.
To reinforce its mission, zoo officials say the Education Complex will be extensively updated to allow for greater educational opportunities.
The Conservation Education department served nearly one million guests in 2023: the expanded facility will allow Zoo programs to reach an even wider audience.
The revised education center will feature additional classrooms, larger housing for the zoo’s growing Ambassador Animal collection, office space, and a full-time, licensed preschool.
As advancements in animal care have evolved, zoo officials say master plans have reshaped and improved the zoo throughout its history, resulting in better wildlife habitats and experiences for generations of visitors.
With the new plan in place, zoo officials say the upcoming years promise another amazing journey for the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Zoo officials say this groundbreaking vision aims to elevate our zoo to unprecedented heights.
“This plan is not just about physical transformation but also about solidifying our role as a leader in global wildlife conservation and bolstering the Zoo’s renowned stature,” said Goodman.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium says it continues to evolve thanks to the community’s support and looks forward to the zoo’s future together.
Additional information about upcoming changes, timeframes, and guest impact will be posted as they develop HERE .
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