Pittsburgh zoo reopens with enhanced safety measures

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium reopened Monday with modified hours and safety precautions meant to limit the risk of covid-19.

Through April, the zoo will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with entry gates closing at 3 p.m. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, gates will close at 4 p.m. and the zoo will be open until 5 p.m.

Masks are required of all visitors aged 2 and up, both indoors and outdoors, regardless of whether one has been vaccinated.

Some experiences will be closed out of an abundance of caution: there will be no tram services and the log ride, zip line and carousel will be closed. There are plexiglass barriers throughout the park, as well as social distancing markers and reminders.

Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the park, and there will be a mobile food-ordering option to limit contact.

For more information, visit pittsburghzoo.org/modified-operations

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at pittsburghzoo.org/plan-your-visit

The zoo closed to the public in December after state officials imposed temporary mitigation measures meant to slow surging covid cases. Though the stepped-up measures expired in early January, the zoo has remained closed through the winter.

Late last year, the zoo offered its first-ever Zoo Lights Drive-Thru, which allowed guests to drive through the zoo after dark to take in thousands of LED light displays.

In October, the zoo was awarded a $450,000 grant through Allegheny County’s Gaming Economic Development and Tourism grant program. The money will be used to rebuild the parking area and front entrance along Baker Street.