Pittsburgh Zoo not off the hook for proposed reptile ban

PITTSBURGH — A proposed ban on some reptiles in Pittsburgh could impact the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

The bill proposed by City Councilman Bruce Kraus would ban businesses and residents from selling, owning, adopting or exchanging turtles, alligators and crocodiles.

>>STORY: Later alligator: Ban proposed for ownership of some reptiles in Pittsburgh

Zoos are exempt as long as they maintain accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, something the Pittsburgh Zoo ended in 2015, Channel 11’s news exchange partners at TribLIVE reported.

The Pittsburgh zoo ended its accreditation because of the organization’s safety policy that places limits on unprotected contact between elephants and keepers, according to TribLIVE. Since then, the zoo has been in violation of its city lease, which requires the same accreditation.

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A Wednesday vote on the legislation was postponed by City Council to allow time to sort out the problem, TribLIVE reported. Kraus said council will work with the zoo.

The Pittsburgh Zoo -- which breeds Philippine crocodiles, the most endangered in the world, and recently received five endangered gharial crocodiles -- is asking for an exemption, TribLIVE reported.

Pittsburgh city councilor proposes changes to reptile ownership rules Pittsburgh city councilor proposes changes to reptile ownership rules

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