Take an Enchanting Journey through Forests this fall at the National Aviary!
PLUS meet our newest Animal Ambassador, a female Eurasian Eagle-Owl!
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!
Vera, Eurasian Eagle-Owl
September 3, 2024 (Pittsburgh, Penn.) – The National Aviary is excited to share that one of the owlets who hatched and was raised in the public eye is staying in Pittsburgh; guests will be able to see this fully grown owl join our Animal Ambassador program just in time for the new seasonal theme, Forests Presented by Peoples.
This FEMALE Eurasian Eagle-Owl stole the hearts of every guest who met her this past spring. So much so that generous supporters of the Aviary, the Fonner family, named her in honor of their late grandmother: Vera!
Vera hatched in the Aviary’s breeding center on March 21, a few days after her older brother, who now resides in another Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo. Over the summer, they resided in a behind-the-scenes habitat under the care of their expert team. Vera has quickly become an incredible Animal Ambassador with quite a clever personality!
Guests can visit Vera as she makes her ambassador debut this weekend during the Aviary’s fall seasonal theme Forests, Presented by Peoples, starting tomorrow, Wednesday, September 4!
Inspired by the natural habitat of Vera, other owl species, and the rest of the birds and mammals who inhabit these fantastical-like woodlands, Forests will transport guests throughout the dense greenery of North America and into lush rainforests in tropical climates. With TWO exciting, new daily activities included with admission, a plethora of play spaces, cozy décor, and enticing educational offerings for everyone, guests will have fun as they learn about the essential resources forests provide!
Guests can “fly” to the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater and immerse themselves in the magical environment of one of the world’s most mysterious birds – the Owl. PLUS they’ll explore biofacts and hear all about Pennsylvania’s “Nocturnal Neighbors” during this NEW expert talk. Then, “hang” with the best of winged mammals during a new Creature Feature: Bats Talk. Meet the Aviary’s colony of female Malayan Flying Foxes and watch them enjoy nutritious treats (fun fact: they are BIG fruit eaters!) as a National Aviary expert shares even MORE fun and interesting bat facts!
Visit the cozy and mesmerizing Tropical Rainforest habitat and try to spot Wookiee, the Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth, making his way sl-o-o-o-w-ly through the treetop canopy. Guests can get closer to birds by purchasing add-on experiences such as feeding a Rainbow Lorikeet (a lesser-known forest bird!); witnessing Vera demonstrate her incredible “superpowers” in the fan-favorite live immersive bird show, Habitat Heroes presented by AAA Travel, and getting EVEN closer during an Animal Encounter with a forest favorite such as an owl, sloth, or bird of prey!
Parents can relax while little ones explore engaging play spaces: immersing themselves in a “Storybook Forest,” building their very own miniature log cabin, exploring a forest’s different colors and textures on a sensory table, and putting on a charming production at the puppet theater. Families can also look forward to special morning programming with early childhood story times and sensory-friendly performances (visit aviary.org for schedules).
Back this fall: After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the National Aviary is once again offering a discounted ticket price for Access card holders. Individuals and families who have Access cards may show them at the Aviary’s Visitor Services Desk and receive up to four general admission tickets for just $5 each.
This fall also brings the return of two signature celebrations: on Saturday, October 12, join the Aviary’s tuxedoed colony for a fun-filled day of craft-making, penguin feedings, and engaging talks while spreading awareness for the endangered species during African Penguin Awareness Day. PLUS don’t miss Owl-O-Ween, the ultimate celebration of creatures that soar through the night that includes TWO weekends of Sp-OO-ky entertainment on October 19 – 20 & 26 – 27. Guests are invited to get creative with a fun owl-themed craft and enjoy engaging activities throughout the venue while wearing their best Halloween costumes.
During Owl-O-Ween, guests also can meet Animal Ambassador Owls (including the Aviary’s newest, lovable Northern White-faced Owl, whose name will be revealed at a later date!) in a comfortable theater setting and learn from a National Aviary Expert about what makes these owls unique.
Another event for owl lovers: a 21+ happy hour evening edition of Brushes and Birds, where participants will receive a private lesson on how to paint an Eurasian Eagle-Owl with Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (mariasideas.com).
Also this fall, outdoor enthusiasts can try to spot an owl in its natural habitat at two editions of Owl Prowl and a momentous Owl Prowl and Birdwatching Kayak Tour combined with L.L. Bean! For more information or to register, visit aviary.org.
Support the National Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their natural habitats by “symbolically” adopting more than a dozen different species – including Vera! Participants of the Adopt-A-Bird program receive an adoption certificate, personalized letter, fact sheet, and a photograph!
For more information on daily activities, the full list of upcoming events, and the birds that reside at the National Aviary please visit Aviary.org.
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About the National Aviary
The one and only National Aviary is located on Pittsburgh’s historic Northside since its founding in 1952. The National Aviary is home to more than 500 birds representing more than 150 diverse species from around the world, many of them threatened or endangered in the wild. The National Aviary’s large walk-through habitats create an intimate, up-close interaction between visitors and free-flying birds, including opportunities to hand-feed and to meet many species rarely found in zoos. For tickets and more information visit aviary.org.
The National Aviary’s fall season begins September 4.
The National Aviary will be closed most Tuesdays through December 19.
We will be open the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
The National Aviary will also be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
The Aviary will close at 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.