With a new exhibit and restaurant, Pittsburgh Zoo reopens

February 14, 2015 12:00 AM Share with others:

By Mahita Gajanan / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium reopens today after a six-week closure for construction on some new ventures, including a new exhibit and a restaurant.

The zoo on Friday announced plans to open a new exhibit in addition to the launch of its new Jambo Grill restaurant. The exhibit, called The Islands, is scheduled to open in June, and is being built to house only endangered species.

Were really trying to get the animals up close and personal, said Barbara Baker, the zoos president and CEO.

The 22,000-square-foot outdoor exhibit will open in a six- to seven-acre area on a hill that has been closed to the public since 1991, said Ms. Baker. Construction began two weeks ago, and once complete will include waterfalls, a sandbox, palm trees and other tropical motifs to create an island feel.

Its the first new exhibit in seven years and will include Visayan warty pigs, siamangs, clouded leopards, Galapagos tortoises and Philippine crocodiles, said Ms. Baker. Pittsburgh Zoo works with other zoos across the country on breeding programs for endangered species, and plans to breed the animals once all arrive at the zoo.

Penguins on Parade will start at 11:30 a.m. today, though the event has been canceled for Sunday due to a forecast for low temperatures.

Mahita Gajanan: mgajanan@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1964.

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With a new exhibit and restaurant, Pittsburgh Zoo reopens