Every day, the National Aviary works to save species and protect their habitats, leading the way to a brighter future for species like Endangered African Penguins, formerly Extinct in the Wild Guam Rails, currently Extinct in the Wild Guam Kingfishers, and possibly Extinct in the Wild Vietnam Pheasants.
African Penguins
As a leader of the SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Program for African Penguins, the National Aviary is identifying conservation strategies with partners around the globe to find comprehensive solutions to keep this beloved species safe.
Learn MoreGuam Rails
Guam Rails are now thriving in the wild after an absence of more than 30 years, thanks to the work of zoos collaborating through the Guam Rail Species Survival Plan® (SSP). As a participant in the Guam Rail SSP, the National Aviary has raised more Guam Rails than any other North American AZA-accredited zoo, and many birds hatched in Pittsburgh are now living in the wild.
Learn moreGuam Kingfishers
The Guam Rail’s island counterpart, Guam Kingfishers (known locally as Sihek) have been Extinct in the Wild for four decades. The National Aviary is actively working within the Guam Kingfisher SSP and the Sihek Recovery Project, to eventually reintroduce the species to Palmyra Atoll, a Brown Tree Snake-free island near Guam.
Learn MoreVietnam Pheasants
An elusive bird not seen in Central Vietnam’s dense, evergreen forests since 2000, the IUCN currently lists the Vietnam Pheasant as Critically Endangered, but many believe the species could be Extinct in the Wild. The National Aviary is home to a pair of these ground-dwelling birds, which are part of the SSP to save the species.
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