The National Aviary Welcomes 10 NEW Animal Ambassadors!

Meet the National Aviary’s New Animal Ambassadors!

The National Aviary is excited to warmly welcome 10 of Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s former Animal Ambassadors to a new home! Seven new species are joining the Aviary family, including mammals and reptiles, and they highlight the importance of biodiversity in shared ecosystems. The National Aviary is one such ecosystem, currently home to more than 500 animals (and counting!)

The animals now home at the National Aviary include:

  • Striped Skunks, “Gouda” and “Pepper Jack”
  • Four-toed Hedgehogs, “Doris” and “Betty”
  • Jackson’s Three-horned Chameleon, “Waldo”             
  • New Guinea Blue-tongued Skink, “Miley”
  • Blue-tongued Skink, “Bluey”
  • Central Asian Tortoise, “Natasha”
  • African Pied Crow, “Jon Snow”
  • American Kestrel, “She-ra”

                                                Gouda, the Striped Skunk with his nose to the ground sniffing for food.           
“Gouda” – Striped Skunk

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History recently concluded its Live Animal Ambassador Program after a highly impactful ten-year run. As a fellow non-profit organization with an aligned educational mission and a commitment to conservation, the National Aviary is a natural fit to care for many of the ambassadors.

“We are beyond thrilled for this recent partnership with the Carnegie Museum and are honored to give ten of their beloved Animal Ambassadors a home with our flock!” says Cathy Schlott, Director of Animal Programs and Experiences. “We are committed to providing them with the utmost care and are excited for the additional educational opportunities they will allow us to offer to guests.”

Four-toed Hedgehog Betty, wrapped in a soft cozy blanket while a National Aviary expert gently holds her in their hands

“Betty” – Four-toed Hedgehog

Guests can stay tuned to the National Aviary’s social media accounts this week as we announce the full “roster” of these adorable Animal Ambassadors, as well as ways they’ll be able to see them in the weeks ahead!

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