Friday, September 27, 2013

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Dr. Barbara Baker, President and CEO
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
1 Wild Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15206

7/27/13

I am writing to you in regard to my recent attempt to visit your
facilities. In my childhood, I have had many fond memories of the
Pittsburgh Zoo, and have always genuinely enjoyed its many fine
attributes. Among these, in particular, are the monkey exhibits and
the aquarium. I consider myself a fan and a life-long patron. However,
yesterday afternoon when my girlfriend and I tried to visit, we had
quite a different experience than we were expecting.

My girlfriend and I lead very busy lives and rarely have time off
together, so organizing outings of this sort are sometimes an ordeal.
We have, in the past, driven some distance to visit attractions
(Laurel Caverns), only to find them closed. As a result, we now
typically check the websites ahead of time to make sure we arrive
during operating hours. Yesterday, we checked the website and
determined that the Pittsburgh Zoo would admit patrons up until 4:30
p.m. and would then remain open until 6:00 p.m. Satisfied we had
enough time, she got changed and we hopped in the car to drive the 12
miles down to 1 Wild Place, anticipating a very, very good time.

When we arrived shortly before 4:00, we encountered a line of cars and
a teenager in Zoo attire who appeared to be having long, complicated
discussions with each person driving through. When it was our turn to
find out what instruction he was passing along, he told us the Zoo was
closed. My girlfriend, Adrian, unsurprisingly remarked, “But the
website says it is open until 6:00.” The gentleman replied, “It is,
every day but today.” We looked at each other, stupefied, waited in
line for about 20 minutes to exit the Zoo and drove the 12 miles back
home, unsatisfied.

Now, I am sure it is never a business's intention to turn away
patrons, but to unsuspectingly close in the middle of operating hours
is shocking and disappointing. I don't know what was going on in the
Zoo that day, but I certainly hope everyone who was allowed in had a
good time. I hope someday we, too, will have the opportunity to take
part in the fun at 1 Wild.

Sincerely,