A new admissions procedure is coming to your next wild adventure at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium! Guests will see and hear construction right at the entrance to the park as our current front gate booths are removed to create an entirely new entry plaza as part of our master plan, beginning April 8, 2025 and running through the majority of summer.

To enter the Zoo, guests will walk from the parking lot and directly take either the escalator, elevator, or ZooFit path to the Village. Guests who need to purchase tickets on grounds or need to redeem a special pass or discount will approach a blue trailer directly at the top of the escalator for assistance from a Visitor Services staff member.

Once tickets are in-hand, either for guests with Memberships, from advanced online purchases, or for guests who just purchased tickets on grounds, Zoo visitors can go directly to a checkpoint gate located in front of the carousel for entry.

Restrooms, food, gifts, and wheelchair/scooter rentals will continue to be available in the Village. Signage will also be available to assist guests with the change.

While modified entry procedures will be in place around the clock until construction is finished, active construction work will take place Monday-Friday until about 3 p.m.; guests with sensory sensitivities should not experience construction noise on Saturdays & Sundays or late in the day on weekdays. Also, as a reminder, you can extend your Zoo adventure as In Season hours run April-October! The Zoo is open in-season every day from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., giving guests an extra 90 minutes to enjoy our wild wonders! Members also now can enjoy their early entry perk at 9 a.m.

When the new admissions gates are completed, guests will continue to enjoy a smooth two-point entry system, with Members and pre-purchased ticket holders bypassing ticket purchase lines to quickly enter Zoo gates. On-grounds ticket purchasers and groups will each have new windows to attend, with a wider gathering plaza. Sustainable greenery will enhance the space. Guests will also enjoy accessible restrooms and water-filling stations at our new entry plaza.

We ask our guests to pardon any inconvenience as we create a better Zoo for you. We look forward to welcoming you for one wild day!

Edited April 17, 2025 to add information about construction timeframes.