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
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium will have a delayed opening on Monday, June 15, due to planned construction operations. The Zoo will open to both Members and general admission guests at 10 a.m. and continue daily operations as normal. The delayed open will not impact previously scheduled events or classes like Zoo Camp.
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.
Zebras are not visible to the public at this time, though are anticipated to be visible as the season progresses. Updates will be made here.
The ZooFit Path is closed for updates through summer 2026; guests may use our elevator and escalator to enter and exit the Zoo.
Otis the alligator’s habitat in Kids Kingdom is being updated. Alligator remains behind the scenes at this time.
Phase 1 Master Plan Projects
Giraffe Care Center
Anticipated Spring 2027
Giraffe Care Center News
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.
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 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.
- 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 are at the highest at this time of year because more activities are included with admission.
- Weekends, including Fridays, see the highest annual crowds.
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, even if temperatures seem comfortable.
- Main restaurant and select gift shops open.
- Most rides and attractions are closed.
- Special seasonal events occur.
