PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium wants to make sure everyone has a chance to see and enjoy the animals. This summer, they’re opening up early for two special sensory-friendly mornings.
“Coming in here at this time, earlier in the day, not only is the weather nice it’s easier to watch the children,” said zoo guest Tom Caldwell-McGinnis.
Caldwell-McGinnis and his family were some guests who took advantage of the zoo’s new sensory-friendly morning.
He said his son is on the autism spectrum and visiting places like the zoo during regular hours can be stressful for the whole family.
“It’s a little bit difficult to come to the zoo with a dense population, sometimes he can just disappear and it’s super stressful,” Caldwell-McGinnis explained.
The mornings give guests with sensory sensitivities a chance to visit the zoo and experience the wildlife.
“It’s a little less busy so whenever you come in you’re seeing quite so many crowds, it’s a little quieter sometimes in the morning. Our animals like to be out, so it makes a really nice experience for any guests who might have sensory needs and might want to experience the zoo in a calmer environment,” said Katie Hughes, the zoo’s director of marketing and communications.
The zoo will host another sensory-friendly morning on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Tickets can be purchased here or at the gates.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW