Embark on a Spellbinding Journey

…through mythical-like woods during Forests, the National Aviary’s fall seasonal theme, Presented by Peoples. Uncover the magic of dense woodlands and lush rainforests filled with elusive birds from around the world! Explore these complex ecosystems through dynamic NEW Daily Activities, Interactive Play Spaces, and immersive habitats. 

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African Penguin swimming up through water

Penguin Encounter

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Meet a Master of Silent Flight!

Meet one of our resident owl Animal Ambassadors, then head to our Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater to feel a gentle breeze through your hair as an owl glides overhead during our live, immersive bird show! 

  • Owl Encounter: Deepen your love for our nocturnal neighbors and meet one UP CLOSE! But wait…there’s more! If you book your Owl Encounter during the sp-oo-ky month of October, you’ll also receive a special visit from an adorable Hooded Vulture. 
  • Habitat Heroes, presented by AAA Travel: Witness the awe-inspiring silent flight of a Eurasian Eagle-Owl in person and learn how it allows this species to sneak up on unsuspecting prey with ease. This amazing show sunsets in January – see it now before its gone forever!

Proceeds from Animal Encounters and educational programs, like Habitat Heroes, support the National Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their habitats. 

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Featured Species

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Penguins

Book a Penguin Encounter to meet an African Penguin up close!

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Flamingos

Visit American Flamingos up close in the Wetlands!

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Marijo and Illimani, two juvenile Andean Condors at the National Aviary.
Condors

See four majestic Andean Condors, including juveniles Marijo and Illimani, in Condor Court

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Owls

Meet one of the National Aviary’s most mysterious residents during an Owl Encounter.

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Eagles

Visit Kody and Aurora, two Steller’s Sea Eagles, in The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall.

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Sloths

Hang out with a Two-toed Sloth during a Sloth Encounter!

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Protecting Their Future

Eurasian Eagle-Owls may be classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but this large species with pumpkin-colored eyes faced a rapid population decline in Europe in the 20th century. These birds continue to face human-caused threats to their very livelihood, including pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and infrastructure collisions. Learn more about the National Aviary’s efforts to safeguard this large owl species, and how you can help today.

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It Takes Two...African Penguin Chicks!

Penguin pair Patrick (female) and Owen hatched two African Penguin chicks in November at the National Aviary. The duo marks an additional spark of hope for a species that is increasingly experiencing population declines in the wild. The National Aviary’s expert animal care team has been observing the family’s feeding, brooding, and preening behaviors, and can see that these chicks are thriving and developing quickly!

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Calls of Hope: Saving Species Here and Abroad

The Eastern Loggerhead Shrike is one of Canada’s most endangered songbirds. With fewer than 25 breeding pairs left in Ontario, Canada, this unique subspecies — named for its disproportionately large — or “logger” — head, is in dire need of support. One of the ways in which zoos like the National Aviary can offer such help is by working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to help ensure an increase of healthy populations for a variety of threatened bird species, including the shrike. 

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From Early Days to Golden Years

When our youngest African Penguin, Pierogi, was diagnosed with an injury, the dedicated staff at the National Aviary worked tirelessly to provide innovative care. They did the same for our most senior colony member, Stanley.

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New Findings Released in the Search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker

Researchers with the National Aviary and Project Principalis released multiple lines of evidence pointing to the survival of the iconic Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Louisiana.

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Saving African Penguins with AZA SAFE

The National Aviary is leading the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Saving Animals From Extinction: SAFE program for African Penguins with help from independent Senior Conservation Scientist, Dr. Patty McGill.

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African Penguin at National Aviary near artificial nest burrow in Penguin Point

A Comeback for Guam Rails

After more than 30 years of being listed as Extinct in the Wild, Guam Rails are now considered Critically Endangered. The National Aviary raised more Guam Rails than any other North American zoo, and some of those rails from Pittsburgh are now thriving on islands near Guam!

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Guam Rail walking on the ground

A Flamingo Rescue Halfway Around the World

When thousands of flamingo chicks were abandoned due to drought in South Africa, one National Aviary staff member, Teri Grendzinski, made the journey to help. Her work to hand-raise chicks gave them a chance at survival.

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A Lesser Flamingo chick being cared for in South Africa.
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Our Mission:

The National Aviary works to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds.

In The News

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Guam kingfishers hatched at National Aviary among first released into wild in nearly 40 years | CBS News

Three Guam kingfishers that hatched at the National Aviary have been released on an island in the Pacific, marking the first time their species has been in the wild in nearly 40 years.

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Guam Sihek Released to the Wild | National Aviary

Nine Guam Kingfishers have been released to the wild on Palmyra Atoll, making them the first of their kind to reside in the wild since the 1980s.  

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Take an Enchanting Journey through Forests this fall at the National Aviary! | National Aviary

Explore the Aviary’s new fall seasonal theme, Forests Presented by Peoples; learn more about the creatures who inhabit these woodland areas during TWO new daily activities, and say “hello again!” to the adorable Eurasian Eagle-Owl making her Animal Ambassador debut!

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  Extinct in the Wild birds head to new home ahead of first wild release | National Aviary

Precious Guam Kingfishers arrived on the Pacific Island as part of a project to re-establish a wild population 

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National Aviary works to bring back bird that’s extinct in the wild | CBS News

The National Aviary may be based in Pittsburgh but the important work they do spans the globe - playing an instrumental part in saving a bird that's been extinct in the wild for 40 years.

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