(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Sova, Posted on Facebook on May 4th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A new plaza entrance opened Wednesday at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.

The updated entrance features new landscaping with native Pennsylvania plants, additional restrooms and a wind tree sculpture designed to generate renewable energy by capturing wind and solar power, zoo officials said.

Other upgrades include enhanced security features, an access control system, an emergency generator for the front gates, elevators and escalators, and new perimeter fencing.

Zoo officials said admissions will begin at the new entrance gate by the end of May.

The project marks the first completed phase of the zoo’s 20-year master plan. Funding was provided by the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, Allegheny County Regional Asset District, Colcom Foundation and The Charity Randall Foundation.