Sakach v. City of Pittsburgh

LEADBETTER, Judge.

The City of Pittsburgh, Department of Parks and Recreation, The Pittsburgh Zoo and The Pittsburgh Aqua Zoo (collectively referred to as the City) appeal from an order of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County which denied the City’s motions for post trial relief, entering judgment against it and in favor of Nancy Lynn Sakach (Sakach). We reverse.

In March 1990, Sakach was working as a volunteer assistant in the Pittsburgh Aqua Zoo’s dolphin training program. At that time, the Aqua Zoo had a male South American River Dolphin, known as “Chuckles,” on exhibit. As a…