Doorstep Squirrels, a Lost Elephant Grave & More Pgh Zoo History

Both Kennywood Park and the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium are celebrating their 125th birthdays this year, and their origin stories have something pretty special in common. In the first of a two-part series, we’re focusing on the birth of the zoo, how it moved from Schenley Park to Highland, what sorts of animals first greeted its patrons, and how it’s evolved since. Plus, why the zoo’s accreditation and land lease are in jeopardy and which not-so-exotic animal Pittsburghers want back. Special thanks to our guest Mark Houser for bringing Pittsburgh’s past back to life. His next antique skyscraper rooftop tour is June 3-4. Tickets are available here. You can RSVP to watch the livestream of the Allegheny County Executive candidate debate here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.