Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Set To Reopen After Major Renovations

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) Big changes are happening at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

For the first time, the zoo is closed for six weeks for maintenance and renovation.

One of the largest changes taking place at the zoo is crews are building a brand new restaurant. Construction workers started demolition in October in the area near the Safari Grill.

They tore down a cheetah holding building, along with two small buildings where you could buy pizza and French fries.

What were doing is were constructing a new 7,000 square foot restaurant, which will accommodate 300 seats, said Bradley Smith, Director of Construction Management at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

There will be 160 seats outside and 140 seats inside the air-conditioned building. The new Jambo Grill is on track to be completed by Memorial Day.

It is an African theme, it is very open, heavy timber, it has a very steep cathedral ceiling, said Smith.

Smith said one of the best parts of the restaurant is that youll be able to watch the cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and elephants, while you enjoy a meal on the patio.

As far as the menu, there will be several healthy and fresh options.

This is an opportunity for us to step our game up in this market, as well as in zoos and we really want to make people rethink what zoo food is, said Steve Schurr, General Manager of Service Systems Associates.

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Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Set To Reopen After Major Renovations