There has not been any news on the zoo's AZA accreditation. Five other zoos accreditation has not been announced including Brookfield Zoo. I am wondering if the hearings on these zoos had to be delayed for some reason.
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium News 2023
- Thread starter TigerValley98
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Are there any images?
Anywhere in particular where they'll put the giraffe barn/yard and the new orangutan habitat?
Underground Zoo Fan
Member
Thanks for posting.
So, no mention of the “top of the world” area that’s just sitting there.
It’s great that the Orangutans are set to get a new habitat. What they have is nearly inhumane, in my opinion.
The last time (only time?) the “village” side of the zoo had animals was the gorilla habitat that held the troop before the rainforest was completed. So that was back in 1990 or so. Fun fact: you can still see part of that habitat’s cage next to the carousel.
I hope this plan has real vision. This zoo has under delivered for decades now. The topography and lack of expansion space (at least on the historically zoo side) forces a design with great vision. Not saying it’s the answer, but something like Philly’s overhead trail system for species and a Skyride or some other transportation for the guests would be a good start. There also needs to be a focus on getting more year round viewing areas in place.
Is the former train area and hillside under the escalators permitted to have habitats?
Joseph G
Well-Known Member
Not a great look that they are removing animals from their latest expansion to a newer exhibit 
I have a lot of hope for this considering the zoo has undergone big leadership changes, but looking back at the original plans for Top of the World from 2010 (which included orangutans, snow leopards, spectacled bears and jaguars) and seeing what actually was built after seven years, I definitely remain skeptical. I know there were a plethora of other factors affecting that project, but still gives reason for doubt, especially with details on the "completed" master plan being so sparse.
I have a lot of hope for this considering the zoo has undergone big leadership changes, but looking back at the original plans for Top of the World from 2010 (which included orangutans, snow leopards, spectacled bears and jaguars) and seeing what actually was built after seven years, I definitely remain skeptical. I know there were a plethora of other factors affecting that project, but still gives reason for doubt, especially with details on the "completed" master plan being so sparse.
When the anteaters move, I wouldn’t be surprised the capybaras might return. I am guessing the orangutan habitat will likely go next to the pygmy hippo in Jungle Odyssey. The giraffe yard could expand into the nyala yard since the barn is actually next to it. The old orangutan habitat will likely become a second indoor area for the gorillas. This is needed since there are two troops now.
For anyone wanting to see their off-site elephant facility, Pittsburgh is doing wagon rides on Oct 7th, 14th, and 21st. There's two times a day and each is limited to 25 people. Tickets are only $25.
EVENT: WAGON RIDES AT THE ICC | Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
EVENT: WAGON RIDES AT THE ICC | Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Underground Zoo Fan
Member
Visited today. There’s a new cage under the landing spot of the zip line. I asked a keeper what was going on there but he said he didn’t know and that it wasn’t happening this year at this point. Looks to be a bird cage.
The stingray touch tank is completely gone. The cynic in me believes it’s so they can fit two more tables for banquet events in the aquarium.
The skunk exhibit in Kid’s Kingdom is gone. There’s a Yellow Footed Tortoise exhibit (read: grass) where the kid’s sit down roller skater things once were.
Prices at the gate, retail and food stands all have increased.
The stingray touch tank is completely gone. The cynic in me believes it’s so they can fit two more tables for banquet events in the aquarium.
The skunk exhibit in Kid’s Kingdom is gone. There’s a Yellow Footed Tortoise exhibit (read: grass) where the kid’s sit down roller skater things once were.
Prices at the gate, retail and food stands all have increased.
Under the Baker era, the zoo had limited birds. Her husband was head of the National Aviary during some of that time. I think that under the Goodman era, we will see an increase of birds at the zoo.
I am wondering if there is a delay. Several other zoos up for reaccreditation were extended a year and will be up next September. The AZA has never said anything about them failing to be accredited and they announced who did not get accreditation.
A red panda named Marcy has arrived.
‘A red-letter day’: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium welcomes new red panda
‘A red-letter day’: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium welcomes new red panda
I have not heard anything.