Pygmy hippopotamuses, giant anteaters and a zipline are all part of the newest attraction at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, Jungle Odyssey.
The exhibit is the second of the zoo’s four-phase “Top of the World” project, with The Islands opening in 2016. Dr. Barbara Baker, President and CEO of the zoo, said the latest area will educate visitors about some of the world’s most vulnerable animals.
“Jungle Odyssey really focuses on endangered and threatened species,” Baker said. “It’s an opportunity to see animals that really are animals of concern and animals that have never been there before.”
The 150-foot zipline will run from the top of the exhibit to the base and is expected to open later this summer.
Baker said she’s most excited about the pygmy hippos, especially 3-year-old male hippo Jahari, who they expect to pair with a female for breeding soon. A 15,000 gallon pool will allow visitors to see the 300-600-pound hippo swimming underwater.
“He’s very active in the exhibit,” Baker said. “He does love the graze and they do graze a lot in the grass.”
Fossas, which are related to the mongoose, and capybaras, the world’s largest rodent, have also made their home at the zoo.
