First Phase of Master Plan Revealed

A Road Map for Reaching New Heights

October 10, 2024

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has big plans for one wild future – an ambitious two-decade master plan that will revitalize the entire Highland Park campus, focusing on the well-being of its animal residents and the development of habitats and experiences. The first phase of the plan taking 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 always increasing urgency to fight biodiversity loss and climate change, the Zoo’s mission – to connect people to wildlife, inspiring 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.”

Beginning at our entry gates, guests will see a temporary entrance path implemented in November. The new front gates, to be opened in early summer 2025, will see a new entry process, with Zoo Members, visitors, and groups all seeing smoother, modern processes. Green spaces and restrooms will also be introduced to the area. (article continues below ⇓)

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, and 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, in accordance with Association of Zoos & Aquariums standards, and support the potential for a larger herd at the Zoo. An expanded giraffe yard, with a direct connection to the new barn, will also allow for a longer outdoor season.

Moving forward, the plan includes a whole new multi-level outdoor habitat and location for one of the Zoo’s most popular primates, the Bornean orangutan. The new Island centerpiece, once completed at the highest point of the Zoo, will be a large habitat for orangutans, siamang, and Malayan tapirs. This hillside location will encourage natural swinging behaviors for orangutans and siamang, while tapirs enjoy 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 our mission, the Education Complex will be extensively updated to allow for greater educational opportunities. Our 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 over time, 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, the upcoming years hold the promise of another amazing journey for the Pittsburgh Zoo. 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 continues to evolve thanks to the support of the community, and we look forward to the future of the Zoo together. Additional information about upcoming changes, timeframes, and guest impact will be posted as they develop at pittsburghzoo.org.

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Early animal habitat changes include a new state-of-the-art giraffe barn.