Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium News 2018

Jungle Odyssey
The only episode where the thumbnail is better than the video

Round five of the Pittsburgh Zoo and only a couple more to go. This is the Jungle Odyssey, a new attraction that opened it's trails in May of 2017 as Phase II of four of the 'Top of the World' Master Plan. Like the Islands exhibit, it could be described as short, simple, and sweet. With a species list could be counted with one hand. Sort of drawing towards the name of the master plan, Jungle Odyssey sits at the very highest point of the zoo, and overlooks much of the left side of the park. For Jungle Odyssey, four enclosures were constructed to bring in five new species. This attraction is purely themed based on biome rather than being geographically organized. Though this Odyssey may have been described as the opposite of what a jungle may look like with oversimplified habitats - the animals however, are not what you would typically come across just anywhere. You'll only find five but surely they aren't your typical zoo animal and they are worth going up the hill for a view. Your first stop is an exhibit for Capybaras and a Giant anteater. Together are netted habitats for the tree-climbing Ocelot and Fossa. Lastly, and the one that seems to draw the most attention, Jahari, the Pygmy Hippopotamus! Though an animal that prefers privacy and shelter, he's quite fond of the crowds and is actively moves about his entire home. Including a good sized underwater viewing. Once you pass him, the Jungle Odyssey comes to a close. Enjoy this quick look at this sweet, short, and simple world of the forest.


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Thank you for the tour, these exhibits look like marginal visual quality, would you agree?

 

...at least they are decent welfare-wise? Where's Jon Coe when you need him?

 

Dinosaurs will not return to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium in 2019. It was a two year contract. I have also learned the next phase of construction may not begin until 2020. This is likely to the complexity to the project.

 

A male and a female nyala were born this past weekend. Photos are the link below.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

 

Sea lion, Zoey, is recovering well from cancer treatment.

Pittsburgh Zoo sea lion Zoey receives groundbreaking cancer treatment

 

On World Gorilla Day Sunday, the zoo will celebrate Zakula’s 50th birthday. The baby gorilla has been named Frankie.

World Gorilla Day

 

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=327974451300172

 

The zoo’s young siamang has been moved to Erie to be taken care of by her grandparents.

Wild Stuff - New Family Members, Siamang

 

Well, you-know-who just filed a complaint over the zoo's elephant breeding program.

https://www.wtae.com/article/peta-files-complaint-over-elephant-breeding-at-pittsburgh-zoo/25565652

 

Sad news from Pittsburgh. Gorilla matriarch Zakula died several weeks ago. Press release at link.

Pittsburgh Zoo mourns loss of gorilla | Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

 

So when Mrithi became the dominant silverback when his father Mimbo passed away in 2005, there was a second male at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Unfortunately the second male could not be part of the troop, so he had to be separated by himself. He would be outside by himself while the other gorillas would be inside and visa versa. I kept asking the zoo, but they weren't able to transfer the second "silverback", so might this be Harry or did he finally find a better fit? I always wondered if he was able to rejoin their troop or he found happiness elsewhere. Harry is the paternal figure with Charlotte who's father was Mrithi and was born in June 2023 at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Any knowledge would be appreciated.