Pittsburgh Zoo Planning Major Expansion After Historic Gift

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has received the largest donation in its history and will use the money to launch a major expansion.

The zoo announced the $10 million donation on Wednesday.

"This gift not only allows us to build a new giraffe barn with enough space to start a breeding program,” says zoo CEO President Jeremy Goodman said. “It also allows us to begin design on a new exhibit – Expedition Indonesia – that will feature multiple species, including orangutans, siamangs, and Malaysian tapirs.”

Both the giraffe barn and Expedition Indonesia are early priorities in the zoo’s master plan, in addition to the new admissions and ticketing plaza currently under construction. The new barn will offer daily opportunities for winter viewing and new experiences inside the barn – such as walking along an elevated catwalk and feeding the giraffes eye-to-eye.

Expedition Indonesia, a multi-level habitat at the zoo's highest point, will include waterfalls, pools, and a state-of-the-art animal facility that will allow off-season viewing.

“This tremendous gift really serves as a catalyst for other gifts and growth at the zoo,” Goodman said. “It is an investment in the future of animal well-being and the revitalized direction we’re taking Pittsburgh as a leader in conservation initiatives.”

Both construction on the barn and design for the multi-species habitat is expected to begin in late 2025.