One Wild Future
The Zoo thanks you for your patience as we grow and evolve during daily operations. It is because of guests and supporters like you that we can continually improve the pursuit of our mission to connect people to wildlife, inspiring our communities to conserve nature for future generations. Details about construction, modifications to regular daily operation, and general information about seasons at the Zoo are listed below on this page.
What to Expect From Your Visit
During your visit, you will experience a living park with live animals in a primarily outdoor setting, subject to all weather conditions. Due to changing conditions including health, safety, operational, or weather concerns, certain animals may be unavailable for viewing, and areas of the park may close unexpectedly. Note that many animals, like our polar bear, have regular access to behind-the-scenes areas for food, rest, or temperature-controlled spaces, and sometimes may not be visible when they choose to go inside.
Guests with sensory sensitivities, mobility assistance needs, or other accessibility requests may like to visit our Accessibility page to learn more about our park and available accommodations during your visit, including a sensory guide. Main Zoo facilities can accommodate guests in accordance with ADA standards.
Daytime Zoo Operation Status & Anticipated Upcoming Changes to Daily Operation
As the Zoo transitions to the fall season, we will have several operational impacts on September 8-9. Our lower fall prices took effect on September 8, and will be pleased to offer an additional $2 off all daytime admission prices on these two days.
Jungle Odyssey will be closed September 8-9 for construction access and event loading. Anteater, tamarin, binturong, lemur, and pygmy hippo will not be visible.
The upper half of Kids Kingdom will be closed starting September 8 through the winter for construction updates. The closure will impact access to playgrounds and viewing of birds, wallabies, river otters, and beavers. Additional Kids Kingdom animal viewing may be impacted, depending on animal welfare needs as the construction progresses. Guest access is expected to remain available to lower Kids Kingdom, which includes the Discover Disguises building and viewing of domestic animals like the alpacas.
On September 9, all online transactions, including online ticket sales, donations, and Member transactions, will be unavailable starting at 9 a.m. due to a software upgrade. We anticipate online transactions will be offline until the early afternoon. Guests can still visit the Zoo and purchase general admission tickets at the gates, which will also reflect the discounted admission.
We thank guests for their patience as we grow, evolve, and continue fulfilling our mission to connect people to wildlife, inspiring our communities to conserve nature for future generations.
Our lion cub, Kiazi, is now out with the rest of the pride in their African Savanna habitat. Like any baby, she needs rest and returns indoors around 3 p.m. If you’re coming to the Zoo to visit her, your best chance to see her outside is in the mornings and early afternoons. Learn more about the lions here.
The Zoo is building a new Giraffe Care Center as part of the master plan. Construction surrounding giraffes & zebras, elephants, and the Tropical Forest Complex is now underway. The main Zoo pathway is now closed between elephants and Jambo Grill; guests will enter the Tropical Forest Complex as a bypass to proceed through the Zoo. Signage will direct guests through the pathway.
All animals in residence around the construction zone are expected to be visible, even with path modifications and work in the area, though due to ongoing monitoring of animal well-being, animals may be moved to behind-the-scenes areas at any time.
The ZooFit Path is closed for updates through mid-October 2026; guests may use our elevator and escalator to enter and exit the Zoo.
Phase 1 Master Plan Projects
Giraffe Care Center
Anticipated Spring 2027
Giraffe Care Center News
Seasons at the Zoo
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium staff care for our resident animals every single day – even on major holidays and severe weather days. While we do close to the public for a few days each year, we welcome learners of all ages year-round. Because we are open daily, you may experience staff performing routine maintenance. Sometimes you will see quieter times with guest traffic, attractions, and animal availability. Weather can also affect your visit. In general, everything at the Zoo is available during peak season (Memorial Day – Labor Day), and the further you are from peak season, the quieter your visit may be. Note that schedule of operation is subject to change without notice at any time.
In Season: Fall (Day After Labor Day-October 31) & Spring (April 1 – Thursday before Memorial Day Weekend)
- Operating Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with early Member entry at 9 a.m.
- Admission Prices: Moderate, an average between peak season and off season.
- Animal Visibility: All animals are scheduled to have access to their public habitats, health and weather permitting (view map). Animals often have access to behind-the-scenes areas, so they may choose to visit those spaces, even if temperatures seem comfortable. Animals that require warm weather like reptiles will be moved to public habitats in the spring when both day and night seasonal temperatures stabilize and moved to warmer behind-the-scenes areas when it gets cold in the fall.
- Experiences: Food stands, gift shops, rides and attractions, with exception for technical difficulty, are all scheduled to operate on weekends. On weekdays, rides and attractions are usually closed and only major food and retail locations are open. Annual events like E-cycle Week offer admission discounts, or activities like ZooBoo are included with admission.
- Insider Tips: If you’re looking for a sweet spot, the “shoulder months” often have nice weather, average crowds, and moderate prices. Weekends can offer experiences similar to peak season at a lower price.
Off Season (November 1 – March 31)
- Operating Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Zoo is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. In recent years, we have closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays in January and February for construction.
- Admission Prices: Lowest rates of the year!
- Animal Visibility: Warm weather animals will be indoors or relocated to behind-the-scenes areas. Some warm weather animals have viewing areas to see them indoors. Outdoor reptiles will not be visible in the off season. Big cats often remain visible year-round. Note that many animals, like our polar bear, have access to behind-the-scenes areas for food or rest and sometimes may not be visible, even if temperatures seem comfortable.
- Experiences: Main restaurant and select gift shops open. Most rides and attractions are closed. Special seasonal events occur, like Penguins on Parade, which is included with admission.
- Insider Tips: If you like a great value and an easy visit, winter is your best time to check out the Zoo. Yearly crowds are lowest during non-holiday weekdays. Bundle up to check out our animal activity in the winter months and then warm up in the Aquarium!
Peak Season (Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day)
- Operating Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with early Member entry at 9 a.m.
- Admission Prices: Peak annual rates, as more activities and the best animal visibility is included with admission.
- Animal Visibility: All animals are scheduled to have access to their public habitats, health and weather permitting (view map).
- Experiences: Daily Activities are available. Food stands, gift shops, rides and attractions, are all scheduled to operate daily.
- Insider Tips: If you like to see it all and do it all, summer is your time! This is our most popular time to visit.
