Season 1 Episode 8: Conversation with Frank Pizzi, Former Zoo Horticulturist at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Keeping It Green

Margaret and Sandy discuss the world of plants in zoo settings with Frank Pizzi, former zoo horticulturist at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Join us as Frank talks about how zoos have transitioned over the past several decades. Where zoo exhibits have gone from concrete and ceramic tile buildings to enclosures that try to mimic the animals' natural habitat. Not only to foster their natural behavior but to educate the public of the world’s wild places. While many homeowners and plant professionals wrestle with animal damage from rabbits, groundhogs, and deer in the landscape, Frank had to manage and protect the plants against the likes of rhinos, gorillas, and giraffes. And what does a zoo do with all that manure? Get a glimpse of IPM in a zoo setting. And finally, what is Frank’s favorite zoo animal?
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Margaret Pickoff, Penn State Extension (host)
Sandy Feather, Penn State Extension (host)
Frank Pizzi, Former Zoo Horticulturist at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Lead photo: Sandy Feather, Penn State Extension
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