Spring may have sprung but the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is about to usher in the ultimate icy blast from the past with the temporary exhibit, “Ice Age: Frozen in Time,” running Monday, April 14 through Monday, September 1, 2025.

This unforgettable experience whisks guests on a journey 2.58 million years back in time to the deep freeze of the Pleistocene epoch. Come face to face with some of the largest and most incredible animals who ever lived on Earth, including towering mammoths, mighty mastodons, wooly rhinoceroses, ferocious saber-tooth cats, massive ground sloths, the flightless dodo, and many more.

More than 50 amazing, animated, life-like prehistoric figures bring this frozen world and its long-extinct creatures to life. The display is designed to recreate the sights and sounds of the Ice Age with realistic movements and recreated sounds of snorting, grunting, and rumbling. Visitors of all ages will marvel at the animals while learning fascinating facts about the creatures and their habitats in a world blanketed by ice.

“The centerpiece of the exhibit is an animatronic mammoth towering over 12 feet tall,” says Director of Special Projects and Events Sam Holloway. “You will be amazed to see how massive these animals were. The size of a mammoth’s tusks or a saber-tooth cat’s teeth is truly incredible to see firsthand.”

These Ice Age creatures were masters at adapting to cold climates. Learn how their giant sizes helped them survive this unique period of the Earth’s history and witness the dramatic changes our planet has undergone throughout history. “Many of these ancient animals were the ancestors of our current Zoo residents and are evidence of how wildlife has evolved over time,” says Holloway. “They offer valuable information to us today about the effects of climate change and the importance of biodiversity.”

This flurry of fun runs April 14 through September 1 in the Education Complex Courtyard. A ticket to arctic ancient adventure is $9 plus Zoo admission, or a flat $8 for Members. Discount packages, which include additional on-grounds activities, will also be available during peak season. Perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs, “Ice Age: Frozen in Time” invites you to explore a world where giants ruled the earth and ice sculpted the land, where history and innovation collide, and awe-inspiring creatures come to life right before your eyes!