A Wild Collaboration: Cinderlands Beer Company and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Beverages inspired by Zoo animals set for release

April 3, 2026

Cinderlands Beer Company and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium announce a wild collaboration for 2026, presenting two wildlife-themed beverages inspired by Zoo residents. The partnership offers both organizations a unique way of engaging with the Pittsburgh community both at home and at large with fun, collaborative opportunities, with special pop-up events scheduled throughout the year.

In 2024, Cinderlands launched Lewis, a top seller and fan favorite. Named after the Zoo’s sociable resident giraffe, Lewis, the beverage is a hazy IPA that is light and fluffy on the palate with deliciously tropical fruity notes like ripe pineapple and bright lime zest. At a crushable 5.5% Alcohol by Volume (ABV), Lewis is perfect for walking around the Zoo and appreciating the beauty and diversity of nature. Lewis Pale Ale is now available at the Zoo, all Cinderlands locations, and most fine retailers in Western Pennsylvania.

Building on the success of Lewis, Cinderlands and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium introduced a second collaborative release last year: Ruby’s Red Raspberry Tea, named after Ruby, the Zoo’s beloved red panda mascot. Part of Cinderlands Beer Co.’s Cindi’s Hard Mountain Tea line, Ruby’s Tea is steam-brewed and fizz-free, made with real iced tea and natural raspberry and lemon flavors. At 6.5% ABV, the refreshing hard tea adds a little extra kick and is poised to make summer at the Zoo especially tasty. Both Lewis Pale and Ruby’s Red Raspberries are scheduled to release to the local market the week of March 30 and arrive at the zoo on May 1. (article continues below ⇓)

“The partnership with Cinderlands is the perfect vehicle to share the Zoo’s mission,” says Ron Gruca, Chief Advancement Officer of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. “The presence of two of the Pittsburgh Zoo’s most popular species on drink labels offers us the valuable opportunity to spread our conservation message to an even wider audience. We’re looking forward to an even stronger partnership this year.”

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium serves alcoholic beverages at several locations on grounds during general daytime operations, including a specialty spot, the Beer Den, that was formerly a home to resident bears. The Zoo also hosts 21+ events, such as ZooBrew on Saturday, August 22. First up, however, will be Summer Safari on Friday, June 5, with tickets now available. Cinderlands is featured as both the Premier Beer Sponsor and VIP Private Chef Sponsor of the event.

“We’re thrilled to be entering our third year of partnership with the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium,” said Jamie Warden, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Cinderlands Beer Co. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to grow this collaboration while supporting one of Pittsburgh’s great institutions. We’re excited to bring back Lewis alongside the return of Ruby’s Tea this season, and we have a lot of fun programming planned for guests throughout 2026.”

To kick off this special partnership, Cinderlands will host a special happy hour welcoming all to join in on the fun at their Warehouse location in the Strip District on Thursday April 30, from 4-7pm. There, guests will enjoy drink specials and have the opportunity to score discounted tickets to one of the Zoo’s hottest summer events: Summer Safari!

The fun doesn’t stop there! On Mother’s Day, May 10, May 14 and May 29, guests to the Zoo can expect to see Cinderlands sampling both products on grounds and on Sunday, May 17, Cinderlands Wexford Taproom will host One Wild Sunday, a family-friendly event with a special meet and greet with real animals from the Zoo plus plenty of fun activities to keep the kids entertained while the adults sip and savor Lewis and Ruby Tea! A portion of proceeds from sales during One Wild Sunday plus special contesting at various distributors around town will provide extra support to the Zoo and conservation efforts!

Follow along with all upcoming events on our socials: the Zoo, @pghzoo, and Cinderlands, @cinderlandsbeer.

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Photos from the happy hour event at Cinderlands Warehouse on Thursday, May 1, 2025.