Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium: Fun With the Animals
If you love animals, you'll certainly love the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Animals from land and sea from all over the planet make their homes at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Featuring more than 4000 animals on a vast nearly-80 acre campus, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is one of only six of the country's only major zoo and aquarium combinations.
The zoo opened in 1898 and added a children's zoo in 1949. In 1967, the aquarium center was added. The aquarium was revamped in 2000, adding an impressive walk-through tunnel in which visitors can get up-close and personal with marine wildlife such as polar bears, sharks and dolphins.
The zoo's African Savanna exhibit features elephants, lions, zebras, rhinoceroses, gazelles and crocodiles, while the Asian Forest showcases tigers, leopards, flamingos and a Komodo dragon. The Kid's Kingdom, which is perfect for your little learners, features kid favorites like kangaroos, beavers, llamas, sea lions, reindeer, and even wild goats.
The PPG Aquarium features sting rays, seahorses, several kinds of penguins, sharks, eels and even a giant octopus.
Be sure to pick up a memento from the zoo's gift shop. Stuffed animals, books, coffee mugs and even jewelry all make appearances in the zoo's gift shop.
If you're hungry, you can pack a lunch to eat at the picnic pavilion, or you can order up fresh eats from one of the several eateries or food kiosks located throughout the zoo's campus. From French fries to ice cream to pizza, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium has lots of yummy treats for the whole family.
The zoo puts on many family-friendly events throughout the year, as well as lots of seasonal exhibits that both kids and adults will love. For a list of upcoming events, call the zoo directly at (412) 665-3640.
- by LeeAnn Mullen, Pittsburgh Reporter for HelloMetro
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LeeAnn MullenLeeAnn Mullen is a freelance journalist from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism is currently furthering her education by studying for an additional degree in information systems management. Mullen has written for several Cleveland-area newspapers, online publications and dozens of private clients. Her topics of specialty include health, technology and travel.
