You’ll Never Forget A Visit To This One Of A Kind Exotic Animal Park Near Pittsburgh
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on December 10, 2023(Originally published June 14, 2021)
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Lions..tigers..bears..oh, my! While you won’t exactly run into any of the three, you can stand back and admire the gorgeous lions, tigers, and bears when you visit Living Treasures Wild Animal Park near Pittsburgh. However, that’s just the start of the fun at this one-of-a-kind animal park that offers several interactive experiences the whole family will love. If you’ve not been to this animal park in Pennsylvania yet, add it to the top of your must-visit list.
Living Treasures Wild Animal Park has two locations - Moraine and Donegal - in Western Pennsylvania, giving us double the opportunity to get outdoors among the animals.
Whichever location you go to, make sure you wear a pair of comfy shoes. The parks aren't huge, but you'll do a good bit of walking. Donegal is predominately flat, but there are slight elevation changes at Moraine. If you can swing it, visit both at least once.
If you're visiting during the summer, it can get pretty hot. Bring plenty of water. You can also purchase drinks from a vending machine.
Can you think of a better way to spend a few hours or an entire day than with adorable animals, like this begging kangaroo, staring up at you?
When you purchase your tickets, you can buy feed and carrots to give to the animals. Near the kangaroos at Moraine, there's also a separate feed machine. Make sure you take quarters with you if you want to grab some grub.
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Billing itself as an interactive zoo, Living Treasures in Moraine is home to more than 400 exotic animals - parrots, deer, flamingos, gators, giraffes, zebras - each with a distinct personality.
Take your time as you walk through, so you can enjoy the animals and their antics. If you really want to get their attention, buy feed. Try to keep an eye out, too, when you're feeding the animals for those being left out or bullied. On our last visit to Moraine, my daughter and I noticed one cow pushing away another any time we tried to feed them, so she talked to (and fed) that one while I made sure the other cow got a chance to have treats, too.
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Bring your sense of adventure with you, because this is your chance to really interact with the animals. While you'll have to keep your distance from some exotics, like the tigers, you can...
...get up close and personal with some of the other animals. If you've ever fed a goat, you know that you've just made a friend for life. Don't be surprised, either, if one escapes his area just to follow you.
That goat who escaped? Well, that happened to my daughter when she was just a toddler. The goat loved her - and her carrots - so much that he hopped a fence and followed her around the park.
Moraine has a petting area, where you can feed and pet the animals, like goats and bunnies. Tip: They'll be a whole lot more eager to accept your pets if you give them a treat.
If you can swing it, definitely try the animal experience. My daughter and I held a kangaroo at Moraine as they snapped our photo. You'll have to pay for the photo(s), but it's worth it for the memories.
Have you been to Living Treasures Wild Animal Park near Pittsburgh? Which Living Treasures Wild Animal Park animals are your favorites? Share your experience in the comments! When you need to escape from life’s busyness, plan a trip to the well-hidden but enchanting Harrison Hills State Park in Pittsburgh.
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Living Treasures Wild Animal Park
Beth Price-Williams|December 10, 2023
What else should I know about visiting Living Treasures Wild Animal Park?
You can purchase a single-day admission ticket or a season pass.
Both locations have a gift shop, so you can stock up on souvenirs and other goodies, like ice cream and candy.
If you want to feed the animals, you can buy feed when you purchase your tickets, or you can just head back to the gift shop if you decide to purchase it later in your visit. No outside food is allowed.
If you do buy food, be prepared. It is going to go fast. The good news is you can always buy more.
Don't forget your camera because the photo opportunities are endless.
Are there any special events at this animal park in Pennsylvania?
Living Treasures Wild Animal Park is a seasonal attraction.
It’s also open for Night at the Zoo during Halloween and A Holiday Light Extravaganza during Christmastime.
If you’re heading over for Night at the Zoo, take a flashlight. It is very dark in the park and along the paths. You can also buy a flashlight at the gift shop.