Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium staff endure 'trying time' amid 3 animal deaths
Three animal deaths at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium this month have brought “profound sadness” to its staff, officials said Monday during a news conference.
“This is a lot for our staff to deal with right now,” said the zoo’s president and CEO Jeremy Goodman, “It is very tough when visitors come up and constantly ask what happened. It is a very trying time.”
Three animal deaths coming in a short time period has left the zoo’s staff reeling. It closed its doors on Feb. 17, a Saturday, as staff members mourned the losses.
Still, it’s normal for a zoo to lose 15 to 25 animals a year, Goodman said. The Pittsburgh zoo has had five animal deaths since July.
The number of deaths the Pittsburgh Zoo has reported over the last year falls within an expected range for a facility with a large animal collection, said Jill Nizan, director of conservation operations for American Humane, a
Washington organization committed to helping ensure the safety, welfare and well-being of animals.
Mrithi, the first-ever gorilla born at the zoo, died earlier this month at age 31. A male silverback Western lowland gorilla, Mrithi had recently been showing mobility problems, with spinal issues the likely suspect, according to a zoo curator.
A 2-year-old elephant calf named Tsuni died after a sudden and brief battle with a disease at the International Conservation Center in Somerset, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium announced Feb. 15. Elephants from birth to age 8 are at highest risk for the disease, with an 85% mortality rate, a zoo spokesperson said at the time.
Then, an 18-year-old sea lion died while under sedation to diagnose an illness.
Goodman said zoo life mirrors human life in that they celebrate births and milestones.
“The zoo world is no different than the human world in that regard,” said Goodman.
Only recently have they been sharing tragedies and deaths are something very new to the zoo, Goodman said.
“Our staff’s well-being is still one of most important things we are concerned with right now, and that includes their mental health, which is why we closed two Saturdays ago.
Goodman said the zoo provided grief counselors all last week to help staff.
The Pittsburgh Zoo is one of six major zoo and Aquarium combinations in the U.S. and operates the only center in North America that focuses on the breeding and care of African elephants. It is home to more than 8,000 animals representing more than 600 species.
When the zoo closed, guests who prepaid for tickets were notified to make alternative arrangements.
“This has been a difficult time having lost these cherished animals,” said Ron Gruca chief advancement officer for the zoo. “We take this very seriously. We apologize for the delay in this briefing. We are committed to public transparency.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people and a weekly column about things to do in Pittsburgh. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
We break down when Pittsburgh fireworks cross from fun into illegal
In Pennsylvania, it’s easier than ever to buy consumer fireworks, but using them inside Pittsburgh city limits is where the law tightens up.
In Pennsylvania, it’s easier than ever to buy consumer fireworks, but using them inside Pittsburgh city limits is where the law tightens up. For this week’s “Is It Legal?” series, the key distinction is that purchase and possession are generally allowed under state law, while where and how you launch them is restricted by local rules and safety regulations.
In Pittsburgh, residents can’t legally set off fireworks in public spaces like streets, sidewalks, parks or right-of-way areas. They’re also not supposed to launch them near buildings or vehicles, or in any way that directs fireworks toward people or property.
In rowhouse neighborhoods and dense blocks, that effectively rules out most front yards, alleys and tight backyards, because they sit too close to homes and parked cars to meet the distance and safety requirements. On top of that, noise and nuisance ordinances can come into play, especially late at night, giving police grounds to respond when fireworks are reported as a disturbance or hazard.
Officials stress that fireworks are explosives, not toys, and point to common risks: injuries from misfires, fires on roofs or in yards, and the impact on pets, older neighbors and veterans with PTSD. That’s why they consistently urge residents to skip DIY backyard launches and attend permitted, professional shows instead, where licensed operators, fire crews and safety plans are already in place.
So, when viewers ask “Is it legal?” the answer is nuanced: Buying fireworks is broadly legal under state law, but setting them off in most Pittsburgh neighborhoods — especially in public spaces or close to buildings — is often not, and can quickly lead to citations or police visits rather than a celebration.
This article by Gabby Sartori was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
The 90-foot tall Ferris wheel will run from July 1 through July 5 on the North Shore. Tickets are on sale now and 50% of all proceeds will be donated to the Veterans Leadership Program. Tickets can be purchased at: pittsburghpa.gov/july4.
The BNY Main Stage at Point State Park will have entertainment starting at 4 p.m. Headlining the performances will be Grammy- and Tony-Award nominated national pop rock band the Plain White T’s. Shows are free,
As part of the National Flag Foundation’s Light to Unite, the city’s skyscrapers will be illuminated in red, white and blue across Downtown at 9 p.m.
The city’s fireworks spectacular is set to be the city’s largest fireworks display in decades. For the first time, there will be a drone performance immediately before the fireworks start.
The fireworks show will utilize six barges on all three rivers – and some rooftops. Fireworks will begin at 9:35 PM on July 4.
Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh is promising its biggest fireworks show ever. Here’s what the setup looks like.
We are just two days away from the Fourth of July, and that means fireworks. The final preparations are underway for the City of Pittsburgh’s show, which is promised to be the largest in history. In all, five barges full of fireworks will be set off for this show.
Under the blistering sun, the true heat is packed on the barges along the Ohio River. Thousands upon thousands of fireworks will go off during the 25-minute show Saturday night, done by Starfire Corporation.
“Being down here, for our family to be able to perform for Pittsburgh is such an honor,” Starfire Corporation vice president Vince Terrizzi Jr. said.
Planning started back in February for this event. The barges will go on the Mon, Allegheny and right near The Point, creating a triangle effect around the Golden Triangle.
“We have one rooftop location that will surprise people and come in and out during the show,” Terrizzi said.
In all, nine truckloads of fireworks were brought in to be part of the show. Inspectors with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire inspected and will do a final inspection before the show. For the inspector, it’s her last show as she plans to retire in a few months.
“Going out with literally the biggest bang the city has ever seen,” Lisa Epps-Cuda said with a laugh.
Starfire has done the about a half dozen of the city’s shows over the years, and it never gets old for them.
“Listening to the crowd’s response, boats cheering, those kind of things make it worth its while,” Terrizzi said.
As for the weather, the big concern will be lightning; the fireworks can still be fired off in the rain. The show is set to go off at 9:35 on Saturday night.
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