Animal Encounters
Animal Encounters
Book an Animal Encounter today and get even closer to animals! Get nose-to-beak (or snout) with National Aviary Animal Ambassadors! Hang out with a sloth, hold a stunning bird of prey on your gloved hand, or spend quality time with a penguin, while learning about these unique birds and mammals from a National Aviary expert. National Aviary Members receive a discount on all Animal Encounters!!!!
Limited Time Only: Meet Gouda the Striped Skunk!
Skunks are often known to have a “stinky” reputation but not in Gouda’s Version. From March 15 – April 15, you can get up close to one of the National Aviary’s most “stinkin’” cute Animal Ambassadors: Gouda the Striped Skunk! Watch as he makes a special canvas JUST FOR YOU and hand-feed him some of his favorite treats.
All National Aviary Animal Encounters include General Admission!
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LImited Time: Skunk Painting Encounter
From March 15 - April 15, a scent-sational opportunity awaits! Meet one of the National Aviary’s NEWEST Animal Ambassadors: Gouda the Striped Skunk!
Skunk Painting Encounter -
Penguin Feeding Encounter
From March 1 - November 15, suit up alongside an Aviary expert and hand-feed our Penguin Point colony during mealtime.
Penguin Feeding Encounter -
Penguin Encounter
Meet an African Penguin up close! Get to know the National Aviary penguins’ favorite foods, and find out how you can help this Critically Endangered species at home and in the wild.
Penguin Encounter -
Jr. Penguin Encounter
Your little one will be amazed at how close they can get to this beloved bird! For Ages 6 and under (and their caregivers!).
Jr. Penguin Encounter -
Sloth Encounter
Hang out with a Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth and learn about life in the slow lane with these adorable creatures.
Sloth Encounter -
Sloth Encounter + Painting
Watch resident artist, Valentino, create a one-of-kind masterpiece just for you! Learn about sloths natural behaviors and hand-feed Val a few treats!
Sloth Encounter + Painting -
Falcon Encounter
Meet the “master of the sky:” a falcon, and learn about the special adaptations that make them so.
Falcon Encounter -
Owl Encounter
Who-o-o wouldn’t want to hold an owl on your gloved hand while an Aviary expert teaches you about their incredible adaptations?
Owl Encounter