A trip to the African continent awaits National Aviary visitors this summer with the opening of a new season, Journey to Africa, Presented by Peoples. Now through September 6, Journey to Africa offers opportunities for guests to explore the incredible variety of birds—from vultures and cranes to penguins and hornbills—found across the African continent through daily programs and Animal Encounters. Accompanying the launch of the new season is a new immersive bird show, African Adventure, Presented by AAA Travel, and new interactive daily activities included with admission that allow visitors to get close to iconic African species like Grey Crowned-cranes and African Penguins.
“Journey to Africa offers a chance to take a trip to a far-away destination and experience amazing wildlife without leaving Pittsburgh,” says Cathy Schlott, Director of Animal Programs and Experiences for the National Aviary. “With our new immersive bird show, African Adventure, and exciting new daily activities, visitors can explore the African continent’s remarkable birds and the unique adaptations that make them especially suited for life in the continent’s savannahs, deserts, tropical forests, and coastal habitats. And, visitors will learn how their actions at home can have a positive effect on vulnerable birds and animals.”
African Adventure Presented by AAA, the National Aviary’s new immersive bird show, takes guests on a guided journey throughout the African continent. Through brilliant video footage, thematic music, and live birds—including an African Penguin, Hooded Vulture, and a Eurasian Eagle-owl—the experience highlights the diverse wildlife and habitats of the continent. At stops across the continent, guests learn about the conservation challenges facing birds, and how they can help.
From physically-distanced seats in the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater, guests can experience the thrill of two critically endangered Hooded Vultures flying out overhead during Vultures in Flight. As the vultures glide above, a National Aviary expert explains the important role vultures play in preserving healthy ecosystems around the world, and highlights the work the National Aviary is doing to save these important birds. The flight demonstration and talk takes place daily at 12 p.m. and is included with admission.
Along the rocky beaches of Penguin Point, an African Penguin colony waddles by on their way to catch a meal of sustainable seafood! During an African Penguin Feeding, included with admission daily at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., guests can watch the adorable penguins dive, swim, and waddle while a National Aviary expert shares the unique adaptations of these recognizable aquatic birds. Guests will learn what choices they can make at home to help these penguins native to South Africa and Namibia. Guests can get even closer to an African Penguin when they book an experience like a new African Penguin Encounter or a Private Penguin Feeding.
Guests can meet one of two majestic species during the Eagles of Africa Talk in the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater. Included with admission, this expert-led daily talk at 3 p.m. offers the chance to see an impressive Martial Eagle or Golden Eagle up close and to learn about their adaptations and natural histories.
In the National Aviary’s immersive habitats, visitors can find themselves inches away from gorgeous birds from around the world amid lush foliage. Through dynamic daily activities included with admission, visitors can see their favorite birds—and even see ones they have never encountered before—in new ways. In the Wetlands at 11 a.m., guests can meet a vibrant flock of American Flamingos during the Flamingo Feeding, and return later for an expert-led Pelican Talk at 1 p.m. that focuses on these iconic seabirds. Guests may even have the chance to toss a fish to a pelican for an additional fee! The Tropical Rainforest feeding at 2 p.m. takes place against a stunning backdrop of a 15-foot waterfall, where colorful birds gather during mealtime.
For an opportunity to get even closer, visitors can book an Animal Encounter with a fascinating species like an African Penguin. During anAfrican Penguin Encounter, one of these small aquatic birds waddles right up to visitors. A Jr. Penguin Encounter is perfect for children of any age, and a Private Penguin Feeding offers an unforgettable experience hand-feeding sustainable fish to the National Aviary’s colony of penguins. Interactive animal encounters include the of cost general admission tickets, making these up-close experiences a worthwhile upgrade for any visit. Proceeds support the National Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their habitats. Guests will stroll through hallways lined with colorful Bird-of-paradise plants and wispy savannah grasses. Visitors can snap a photo from behind the windshield cutout of an all-terrain vehicle to remember their adventure, or pose for a selfie in front of an oversized postcard featuring a Red-billed Hornbill.
The health and safety of visitors, staff, and volunteers is always the National Aviary’s top priority. Visitors are encouraged to purchase their timed-entry tickets in advance, and to find the latest information on the National Aviary’s safety policies at aviary.org.
Journey to Africa Presented by Peoples runs May 29 through September 6 at the National Aviary.