by Kimberly Ripley
The Pittsburgh Zoo opened for the first time on June 14, 1898. It provided visitors with the first in-depth view of unusual animals and plants. In 102 years, it has evolved into a natural habitat and resource for conservation, education, and research. Pittsburgh's first Children's Zoo opened in 1949.
The Aqua Zoo debuted in
1967, and included the second largest aquarium in the country at that time.
Following a master renovations plan which began in 1980, the next ten years
saw an evolution that culminated in complete transformation of the zoo.
Summer 2000 includes the celebration of the opening of the Aquarium, and the new name: The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.
Pittsburgh's city life is greatly enhanced by the presence of the zoo and aquarium. It presents the opportunity to city-dwellers to visit an oasis in the midst of a metropolis. The lush greenery and colorful plant life make the surroundings almost surreal. Combining the landscape with the thrill of rare and exotic animals allows locals and their guests to take a mini-vacation without leaving the city. What the Zoo Offers
Included within this 77-acre naturalistic habitat facility is the Kid's Kingdom. It is currently ranked among top three children's zoos in the country. It features walk-through kangaroo and deer pens, as well as a sea lion pool and Animal Connections Playground. The Discovery Pavilion offers a walk-through aquarium with huge fish swimming overhead. It also features interactive displays and 40-foot high animal exhibits.
The Asian Forest presents Siberian tigers and bar-headed geese, and the
African Savanna lets visitors view the life of an elephant herd. The herd
includes a baby born in September of 1999, and another is due in
October 2000.
Inside the Tropical Forest, an indoor rain forest, guests are treated to 150 different plant species that create an exotic jungle environment. Visible within the Tropical Forest are orangutans and one of North America's largest eastern lowland gorilla families.
Tall grasses camouflage the sprinting cats of Cheetah Valley. It is designated as a Species Survival Plan site.
Niches of the World is a habitat tour exhibiting the rare Komodo dragon, a rare white alligator, 100-pound pythons, and tree kangaroos. Rocky hills set the scene for colossal Kodiak bears and black bears.
Summer events at the Pittsburgh Zoo include many special presentations for children, incorporating education with high quality entertainment. Some of the highlights include free scuba Lessons and a visit from a children's favorite, The Magic Schoolbus. Funding the Zoo's Success
The zoo's curator, Jim Prappas, has extensive background in oceanography. He was instrumental in acquiring a $45,000 research and education grant from Eden Hall Foundation, and a $28,000 grant from H.J. Heinz Co. for overseeing coral research. The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is now home to one of the largest coral collections in the world.
The Pittsburgh Zoo's Aquarium offers a stingray touch tank and exhibits of rare leafy seadragons, penguins, sharks, an octopus, and a live coral reef. It is Pennsylvania's only public aquarium, and is one of only six major Zoo and Aquarium combinations in the United States.
Prappas encourages the study of our environment, and the philosophy that someone
always lives downstream from us. He explains how this strategy connects to
the new aquarium's theme. "We show people their own backyard and say, "Start here. Relate to what's
here. This is your environment. Now come see the diversity of water
connected to your own backyard""
This encourages an in-depth look at the Aquarium's theme of "Diversity of Water".
Ultimately the Pittsburgh Zoo and it's new Aquarium offer a world of tranquility in the midst of an energetic city. It is an attraction that no Pittsburgh resident or visitor should forgo.
Kimberly Ripley
