This Hidden Destination Near Pittsburgh Is A Secret Only Locals Know About

Pet a giraffe. Feed overeager goats. Enjoy a pony ride. You'll meet several hundred animals - from the exotic to traditional farm animals - at this hidden destination near Pittsburgh. So, lace up your most comfortable shoes and get ready for a unique experience.

Okay, make that TWO hidden destinations. Living Treasures Wild Animal Park has locations in Donegal and Moraine. Combined, the two wild animal parks, billed as "interactive zoos," house more than 400 animals from 70 species.

Stand by the reinforced glass to view such exotic animals as the white tiger. Among the animals that call Living Treasures Wild Animal Parks home include the Patagonian cavy, red kangaroos, pot-bellied pigs, macaws, giraffes, brown bears, and zebras.

Meet the newest members of each location. Snap pictures and, in some instances, bottle feed the beautiful infants, who are already pretty talented...

Like the baby bears who created the work of art displayed in the photo above. The arrival of a new baby is often a pretty big deal at Living Treasures Wild Animal Park.

Form a bond with select residents as you feed them their favorites treats and maybe even pet them. Food is sold at the entrance and, if you run out during your visit, you can purchase more. Only feed the food sold at the park to the animals. Outside food is prohibited.

Discover more about the animals at Living Treasures Wild Animal Park at the Animal Encounters experience, offered at both locations. (Days and times vary by location.) Animal encounters allow you to pet animals, like baby kangaroos, and to learn more about different species from experienced caretakers.

Living Treasures Wild Animal Park is designed to educate the public while allowing individuals to interact with many of the animals. Animals, however, are never forced to approach people and do so only when they feel like it. (You'll likely meet quite a few extroverted animals, especially if you have food.)

Visit Living Treasures Wild Animal Park for a spooky good time at the annual Night at the Zoo. Stop by Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in October from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. weather-permitting at both locations. Bring a flashlight so you can explore the park and watch as the nocturnal animals go about their nightly routines.

Stop by the Gift Shop at each location at the end of your visit. The gift shop sells a variety of souvenirs, including shirts, stuffed animals, books, and other unique items. The Gift Shop in Donegal is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. all year around while the Moraine location's gift shop is seasonal.

Both locations of Living Treasures Wild Animal Park are open from April through mid-November. Hours vary depending on the time of the year. Frequent visitors can purchase season passes, valid for one year from the date of purchase, that can be used at both park locations.

Take a walk on the wild side when you visit this hidden destination near Pittsburgh. If you prefer to travel a little closer to home, stop by this natural oasis in Pittsburgh.