Pittsburgh Zoo Water's Edge

Morning Side, Pittsburgh, PA

Status: Completed 2009

Building Type: Zoo Exhibit

 

Area: 25,000 SF

The Water’s Edge Exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium features Polar Bears, Pacific Sea Otters, and Walruses in a unique, integrated facility.

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Designed to balance animal care, visitor interaction, and technical systems, the exhibit includes varied terrains, a fresh water waterfall, an air-conditioned "ice cave," and a stream bottom moat to keep the animals engaged and simulate their natural habitats.

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Educationally focused, the exhibit offers 17 viewing opportunities through 15 acrylic windows and two underwater tunnels. Visitors can observe animals swimming overhead in a 30-foot Polar Bear tunnel and a 40-foot Walrus tunnel. Themed walkways and a recreated Alaskan pier village provide environmental education on coexistence with these species.

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Water’s Edge is also environmentally conscious, being the zoo’s first project to seek LEED Silver Certification, featuring a roof topped with living plants as part of its green innovations.