The first phase of the highly anticipated master plan to revitalize the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has been unveiled with improvements that span the entrance experience to enhanced animal habitats. As reported by WPXI, the initiative will kick off with the creation of a new front entrance and accessible path, not to mention an expanded giraffe barn and a refurbished orangutan habitat, with the entire first phase slated to take place over a five to seven-year timeline.

According to Dr. Jeremy Goodman, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, the redesign focuses heavily on animal welfare and educational opportunities. Guests will get a taste of the new developments as early as this winter, with a temporary entrance path to be in place by November, ahead of the new front gates' unveiling in the summer of 2025.

Mirroring the updates provided by CBS News, the giraffe barn's expansion will significantly enhance the experience for both animals and visitors. The new facility is set to include large dayrooms, year-round viewing capability, ample hay storage, and public interaction opportunities, which include feedings. These changes will accommodate an extension of the giraffes' outdoor season.

Further elevating the zoo's upcoming features, the new orangutan habitat aims to promote natural behavior by encouraging swinging activities and providing off-season viewing opportunities. Dr. Goodman conveyed the zoo's leadership in innovative animal care, stating, "Others will look to us on when they're designing their future orangutan exhibits on how to do it right." This commitment to innovation stretches to the Zoo’s Education Complex, which will be extensively updated to increase educational programming and even includes plans for a full-time licensed preschool, as detailed by CBS News.