Major New Aquatic Attraction Proposed For PA

PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania is the nation's most populous state without a stand-alone aquarium - but that could change under a plan being discussed by the Pittsburgh Zoo.

The zoo announced Tuesday that it is exploring the feasibility of developing a project that would be unique in the state: the Pennsylvania Aquarium.

Zoo officials said the project would be a large-scale, immersive, stand-alone destination that would expand and not duplicate existing zoo offerings.

Said zoo president & CEO Jeremy Goodman: “The Pennsylvania Aquarium would expand the zoo’s physical and conservation footprint, connecting the city and state to aquatic animals from around the planet as well as those that are native to the Commonwealth, celebrating our life-sustaining relationship with water and aquatic life in ways as we can present only in Pittsburgh.”

When the aquarium could become a reality is uncertain.

Zoo officials said the project is currently in the conceptual and exploratory phase. An economic impact study has been commissioned, and a coalition of regional leaders is being formed to assess feasibility, funding pathways, and long-term community impact to determine whether the project is viable and sustainable for the region.

No construction timeline has been established. No final location decisions have been made. Site feasibility will be part of the evaluation process.