Building a Better Zoo for You!
The Zoo thanks you for your patience as we grow and evolve. It is because of our guests and supporters that we can continually improve the pursuit of our mission to connect people to wildlife, inspiring our communities to conserve nature for future generations. You can read more about our current construction and modified operations below.
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.
Daytime Zoo Operation Status & Anticipated Upcoming Changes to Daily Operation
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, January 13 through February 25, 2026 for general updates and maintenance. Thursday-Monday operation will continue as normal.
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday through Monday! Plan your next visit today.
The Zoo’s front gates are under construction. Learn about our modified entry procedures as we build a new Zoo entrance plaza as part of the first phase of our master plan. Front entry construction is expected through winter. The ZooFit Path is also closed for updates; guests may use our elevator and escalator to enter and exit the Zoo.
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.
Giraffes and zebras are not visible to the public on cold weather days. Elephants and primates may be seen indoors.
Worlds of Discovery in Kids Kingdom will be undergoing renovations January-March, 2026. Guests can expect additional species and habitat design when the building reopens. Keep an eye on our News page and social media @pghzoo for more information.
Current Projects
From help getting around the park to fun features that will enhance your experience, the Zoo offers many amenities to help you get the most out of your visit. Main Zoo facilities can accommodate guests in accordance with ADA standards.
Seasons at the Zoo
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium cares for our resident animals every single day. The Zoo is traditionally open to the public every day of the year except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. We occasionally have additional closure dates, listed above. Because we are open to the public almost every day, 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.
Off-Season (November 1 – March 31)
- Reduced daytime hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. General admission prices are reduced, as well. Yearly crowds are lowest during non-holiday weekdays.
- Warm weather animals will be moved indoors or 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.
- Main restaurant and select gift shops open.
- Most rides and attractions are closed.
- Special seasonal events occur.
In-Season (April 1 – October 31)
You can see pretty much everything in-season at the Zoo. During the “shoulder months” of April, May, September, and October, you may only experience everything on weekends. Peak Season, operating within in-season Memorial Day – Labor Day, is the best time to experience it all.
- Longest daytime hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with early Member entry at 9 a.m.
- All animals are scheduled to be on exhibit, health and weather permitting (view map). Animals that require warm weather like reptiles will be moved to public habitats in the spring when seasonal temperatures stabilize and moved to warmer behind-the-scenes areas when it gets cold in the fall.
- Food stands, gift shops, rides and attractions are scheduled to be open. With exception for technical difficulty, all should operate on weekends April-May and September-October, with daily operating during the summer.
- Most daytime events take place, as well as specialty evening events.
Peak Season (Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend)
Contained within In-Season is the Zoo’s peak season – summer! Everything at the Zoo is scheduled to be available every day of the week Memorial Day – Labor Day.
- Daily Activities are available.
- Admission prices tend to be the highest at this time of year because more activities are included with admission.
- Weekends, including Fridays, see the highest annual crowds.
